Two-time world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman has died at the age of 76.

His family announced on Friday that Foreman died while surrounded by loved ones.

"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," the family wrote in a post to Instagram.

"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 continued. "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."

Foreman, who was from Marshall but grew up in Houston, won Olympic gold in 1968 in Mexico City. He called his Olympic gold his proudest accomplishment.

The following year, Foreman officially turned pro and won all 13 fights he participated in that year. 11 of those wins came via knockout.

In 1973, Foreman won the heavyweight title by knocking out the previously undefeated Joe Frazier in the second round. Foreman defended his title twice before losing to late great Muhammad Ali in the iconic 1974 match dubbed "Rumble in the Jungle." That match was fought in Kinshasa, Zaire, which is known today as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

After a 10 year hiatus following a 1977 loss to Jimmy Young, Foreman returned to boxing and went on to win the unified WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight championship titles.

Foreman then became the oldest world heavyweight champion in boxing history when he defeated Michael Moorer in 1994 to claim the heavyweight title for the second time in his boxing career.

He then retired for good in 1997 at the age of 48. Foreman recorded 76 wins, with 68 coming via knockout, and just 5 losses.

Following his boxing career, Foreman became a successful entrepreneur when he licensed his likeness to the home appliance company Salton, Inc., now known as Russell Hobbs Inc., to launch the George Foreman Grill. More than 100 million units have been sold since it first launched in 1994.

KTRH Local Houston and Texas News