Boxing icon George Foreman passes away aged 76

Boxing heavyweight legend George Foreman aka ‘Big George’ has died aged 76, his family confirmed on Saturday.

Big George enjoyed a glittering in-ring career winning Olympic gold in 1968, claimed the world heavyweight title twice, and enjoyed a great rivalry with great Mohammad Ali.

He was also the oldest champion in history aged 45.

George lost his first title to Muhammad Ali in their famous Rumble in the Jungle fight in 1974. His professional boxing resume is next to none with a total of 76 wins including 68 knockouts.

He retired from the sport in 1997 but not before he agreed to put his name to a best-selling grill – a decision that went on to bring him fortunes that dwarfed his boxing earnings.

The news of his death was announced by his family on Instagram on Friday night: “Our hearts are broken.

“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 statement added: “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.”

He was born in in Marshall, Texas, on 10 January 1949, and was raised along with six siblings by a single mother.

Foreman won the heavyweight gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, aged 19, before turning pro and winning 37 consecutive matches. He lost only five bouts over his career.

He beat previously undefeated reigning champion Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1973. His most iconic career moment came in 1974, when he fought great Mohammad Ali known as Rumble in the Jungle in Kinshasa.

After a second professional loss, Foreman retired in 1977 and became an ordained minister at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Texas, which he founded and built.

He came out of retirement in 1987 to raise money for a youth centre he founded. He won 24 matches before losing to Evander Holyfield after 12 rounds in 1991.

In 1994, Foreman knocked out undefeated Michael Moorer to become the oldest ever heavyweight champion at age 45.

He became ad pitchman for his George Foreman Grill, which millions have purchased since it hit the market in 1994, thanks in part to his memorable catchphrase, the “Lean Mean Grilling Machine”.

Foreman was married five times. He has a dozen children, including five sons who are all named George.