Boxing Legend George Foreman Dead at 76

Boxing legend George Foreman has died at 76 years outdated, his household introduced Friday.

“Big George” — a two-time heavyweight champion — participated in a number of the most essential boxing occasions of all time.

Foreman burst onto the scene in 1968 on the Summer Olympics in Mexico City … the place he gained a gold medal.

Shortly after the Games, George turned professional. In 1973, Foreman defeated then undefeated heavyweight champ, Joe Frazier, securing his first title simply years into his skilled profession.

After defending the belt twice, George, 25 years outdated and unbeaten, confronted Muhammad Ali in 1974 in one of the vital memorable boxing matches ever, coined “The Rumble In The Jungle,” in Zaire.

Ali shocked Foreman, successful by eighth spherical TKO.

Years later, the boys would grow to be very shut. When Ali died in 2016, George instructed us … “I misplaced my greatest buddy.”

In 1977, Foreman retired and have become an ordained minister shortly after hanging up his gloves. George devoted his life to God … and preached at a Houston space church.

After a 10-year hiatus from the game, George introduced his comeback in at practically 40 years outdated in 1988.

Despite now not having the crushing energy punches he had in his earlier days, Foreman as soon as once more grew to become heavyweight champion in 1994 on the age of 45, defeating 26-year-old Michael Moorer.

With the win, GF made historical past, changing into the oldest heavyweight champ within the historical past of the game. The comeback continues to be thought of one of the vital spectacular feats in sports activities historical past.

In 1997, with a file of 76-5 (68 KOs), Foreman retired for good … as one of many best to ever grace a hoop.

As spectacular a fighter as he was, his household additionally highlighted his private accomplishments exterior of the ring — “A religious preacher, a loyal husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and nice grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering religion, humility, and objective.”

“A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply revered — a pressure for good, a person of self-discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, preventing tirelessly to protect his good identify — for his household.”

His household continued … “We are grateful for the outpouring of affection and prayers, and kindly ask for privateness as we honor the extraordinary lifetime of a person we had been blessed to name our personal.”

On prime of being one of the vital widespread pugilists ever, Big George was additionally the face of the long-lasting George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine, one of the vital commercially profitable merchandise in many years.

Foreman was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.