The gentle giant falls

Runodada Witness

Zim Now Reporter

The world mourns the loss of George Edward Foreman Sr., a titan of boxing, a beacon of resilience, and a testament to the power of second chances. At 76, the legendary heavyweight champion passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the boxing ring.

"With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who peacefully departed... surrounded by loved ones," his family shared in a heartfelt Instagram post, painting a portrait of a man far beyond his formidable boxing persona. "A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather."

George Foreman was more than just "Big George," the intimidating puncher who once reigned supreme in the heavyweight division. He was a humanitarian, an Olympian, and a two-time world champion, a man deeply respected for his discipline, conviction, and unwavering dedication to his family.

His journey was a remarkable narrative of transformation. Born into poverty in Marshall, Texas, and raised in the segregated American South, Foreman's early life was marked by hardship and struggle. He found himself dropping out of junior high, his size and strength leading him down a path of petty crime. But a turning point arrived in the form of the Job Corps, a program that "rescued me from the gutter," as Foreman himself described it. This opportunity allowed him to channel his raw power into boxing, setting him on a course that would redefine his life.

At the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, a 19-year-old Foreman captured the world's attention, winning the heavyweight gold medal. His professional career soared, culminating in a devastating knockout victory over Joe Frazier in 1973, cementing his position as the heavyweight champion.

However, his iconic 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" loss to Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), became a defining moment. Despite his formidable power, Ali's strategic "rope-a-dope" tactic exhausted Foreman, leading to a stunning eighth-round knockout. This defeat, though painful, ultimately paved the way for Foreman's remarkable comeback story.

After a brief retirement in 1977, during which he became an ordained minister, Foreman returned to boxing a decade later, heavier but wiser. His comeback wasn't just about reclaiming his lost glory; it was about raising funds for a youth center he founded in Texas. This second act saw him not only return to the top of the boxing world, but also become a beloved cultural icon.

In 1994, at the age of 45, he achieved the seemingly impossible, knocking out Michael Moorer to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history. Beyond the ring, Foreman's charisma and authenticity made him a sought-after pitchman. His endorsement of the George Foreman Grill became a phenomenal success, transforming him into a business mogul. "What I do is fall in love with every product I sell," he wrote in his autobiography, "That's what sells. Just like with preaching."

Foreman's personal life was equally rich. He married five times, his fifth marriage to Mary Joan Martelly lasting a lifetime. He leaves behind five sons (all named George), five daughters, and two adopted daughters, a testament to his deep love for family.

George Foreman's legacy is one of redemption, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. He was a champion in and out of the ring, a man who transformed his life and inspired millions.