Heavyweight-champion-turned-businessman George Foreman has passed away.

NBC News reports the cause of Foreman’s death has not been revealed (at the time of this writing). He was 76 years old.

A post on his official Instagram confirmed his passing.

“Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose,” the post read. “A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected — a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name — for his family.”

Family

Foreman is survived by his wife, Mary Joan; six daughters, Natalie, Leola, Michi, Georgetta, Isabella and Courtney; five sons, all named George; 15 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a brother named Roy, notes The Guardian.

Boxing Career

Foreman’s legacy includes a successful boxing career that began in 1968 with him earning a gold medal at the Olympics in Mexico City, Mexico, notes The Athletic. Born in Marshall, TX, and raised in Houston, TX’s Fifth Ward, he was described as a “mugger and brawler,” according to his website. However, President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Job Corps program provided him with mentorship under counselor and boxing coach Doc Broaddus, which set him on the path to boxing.

“The next thing you know, I’m in the Job Corps program getting three meals in one day. They built me into what I’ve become,” Foreman said, according to NBC News.

Foreman went pro in 1969. Throughout his boxing career, he won 76 of 81 fights, and 68 were knockouts, The Athletic mentions. By 1973, he was undefeated with a 37-0 record and that same year defeated world heavyweight champion Joe Frazier. His first professional loss came in 1974 against Muhammad Ali during “The Rumble in the Jungle.”

“I thought this would be the easiest $5 million I was going to pick up,” Foreman told CNN of the fight with the late Ali.

Retirement

Foreman was a two-time heavyweight champion who retired twice in his professional career. His first exit was in 1977 and he went on to become a minister, founding the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ and establishing the nonprofit George Foreman Youth and Community Center in Houston.

In 1994, at the age of 45, he secured his second heavyweight title by defeating Michael Moorer.

“The second time I made a point of believing it,” Foreman reflected, per CNN. “The first time (1973) I didn’t believe it. When you fight for the heavyweight championship of the world it does feel unbelievable, it doesn’t feel like you’re really there, it could be a dream. ‘You’re going to wake up soon, you don’t belong in the ring with these guys.’”

Foreman officially made his exit from the ring in 1997. It is unclear exactly how much he earned across his career, but his highest payout was reportedly from his 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” fight against Ali, notes Business Insider.

George Foreman Grill

Much of his fortune came from beyond the boxing ring, with arguably his wisest move being the George Foreman Grill. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the idea was presented to him by Michael Boehm, inventor of the Short Order Grill. Although hesitant, Foreman greenlit the idea to endorse the product. His compensation was reportedly 40% of each sale.

In 1994, the grill hit the market, and by 1996 it was generating $5 million in revenue. As sales grew each year, some months Foreman earned millions in profits.

“There were months I was being paid $8 million per month,” Foreman previously told AARP.

In 1999, Salton Inc. reached an agreement with Foreman and purchased the right to benefit from his name while continuing to market the product. The deal was worth $137.5 million in cash and stock, and Foreman reportedly received total earnings of at least $250 million through the grill business.

Over 100 million George Foreman grills have been sold since its inception, according to Business Insider.

“No doubt the grill has been more successful, but it never could have happened without the boxing career, I can tell you that,” Foreman said in an interview on The Motley Fool Radio Show.