Legendary Boxer George Foreman, World Champion Turned Grill Empire Founder, Passes Away at 76

George Foreman, the legendary heavyweight boxing champion who made history by reclaiming his world title at age 45 and later transformed his fame into a highly profitable grill enterprise, died on Friday. He was 76.

His family announced his death through his Instagram account, No cause of death was disclosed.

Foreman’s boxing journey spanned multiple decades and generations of fighters. He first claimed the heavyweight championship in 1973 by defeating Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica, knocking him down six times in just two rounds. His initial reign ended in 1974 when he lost to Muhammad Ali in the historic “Rumble in the Jungle” in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo).

The Rumble in the Jungle, held on October 30, 1974, was a landmark television sporting event, notable for being the first satellite telecast in Barbadian history. The fight attracted an estimated 60 000 spectators in Kinshasa and was watched by as many as one billion viewers worldwide, making it one of the most-watched live television broadcasts of its time.

After retiring in 1977 and becoming an evangelist, Foreman made an astonishing comeback at age 38 in 1987. Despite widespread scepticism about his age, Foreman shocked the boxing world in 1994 when he defeated the undefeated Michael Moorer to recapture the world heavyweight title at 45, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history.

Following his boxing career, Foreman achieved remarkable success as a television spokesperson, particularly with the George Foreman Grill introduced in 1995. His endorsement deal was structured to earn him 40 per cent of the profits from each grill sold.

The grill’s success was extraordinary, with over 100 million units sold in just over 15 years. In 1999, Salton, Inc. purchased the rights to use Foreman’s name for US$137.5 million ($275m) in cash and stock. Reports suggest Foreman earned at least US$250m ($500m) from the grill, far exceeding his boxing earnings.

Foreman is survived by his Saint Lucian-born widow, Mary Joan Martelly, whom he married in 1985, and 11 children born to five wives, including five sons all named George. A daughter Freeda, who had followed in his footsteps as a boxer, died in 2019 at age 42.

Throughout his life, Foreman transformed from a fearsome boxer to a beloved public figure known for his warm personality and entrepreneurial success, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the boxing ring.