Tag: George Foreman

Boxing legend George Foreman dead at 76; combat sports community mourns

Legendary boxer George Foreman has died at 76 and combat sports notables have offered condolences.

(This story originally appeared on USATODAY.com)

Legendary boxer George Foreman has died at 76, according to a statement released by his family Friday night on his official Instagram account.

The cause of death was not initially revealed by the family.

Foreman was a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist who is regarded as one of the hardest punchers in boxing history. One his most memorable punches was the knockout blow he landed against Michael Moorer in 1994 when Foreman became the oldest heavyweight champion in history at 45.

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He was inducted into both the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

“But my life is much more than boxing – I’ve been knocked out more outside the ring than in the ring,” Foreman told USA TODAY in 2023.

He was married five times. He had 12 children, and one of them, Freeda, died in 2019 by apparent suicide.

One of his most famous fights came against Muhammad Ali in the so-called “Rumble in the Jungle” that took place in 1974 in Zaire. He vowed to kill Ali in the ring. Instead, it was Ali who knocked out Foreman.

But Foreman said he was less demoralized by being knocked out than failing to knock out Ali.

“I just knew no one could stand up to my punch,” Foreman told USA TODAY in 2014. “But Muhammad did. His taking those punches, I went away thinking, ‘What is going on here? That’s not supposed to happen.’ That bothered me more than anything.”

A late friendship with Ali

Just three years later, he retired from boxing. But in 1979, he returned to the ring at 39 – and eventually stunned the boxing world.

In 1994, two decades after his loss to Ali, Foreman fought Michael Moorer, then 26, for the world championship. He won by knockout in the 10th round and news of the feat elevated him to champion for the second time of his career.

But his life outside the ring marked a striking transformation in the public eye.

Foreman evolved from a villainous boxer who once promised to kill Ali in the ring. A few years later, Foreman experienced what he referred to as a religious awakening, and he later became a preacher and businessman who sold millions of George Foreman Grills.

And Foreman and Ali, who died in 2016, went from bitter enemies to close friends.

After becoming the oldest heavyweight champion, Foreman said he received a congratulatory letter from his old nemesis.

“Can you imagine that?” Foreman said during a 2014 interview with USA TODAY. “Who would think almost 20 years later, there’s Muhammad, my conqueror, congratulating me in fighting for the championship of the world and winning it. …

“I was pretty close to hating him; I wanted revenge. He became the best, and one of the longest friends, I’ve ever had. I love him to this day.”

An Olympic gold medal, 40-0 record

Foreman was born Jan. 10, 1949 in Marshall, Texas and, by his own admission, was a troubled youth. He dropped out of school at 15. Boxing provided salvation. He took up the sport at 16 and a mere three years later he won an Olympic gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.

He turned pro in 1969 and his power became legendary. He knocked out 10 of his first 11 opponents, and most of his fights ended with opponents on the canvas. In 1973, he became heavyweight champion for the first time when he beat Joe Frazier by second-round TKO.

His record improved to 40-0 before Foreman suffered his first defeat – against Ali in the “Rumble in the Jungle.”

The loss to Ali became a defining moment, but during a 2014 interview with USA TODAY, Foreman recalled another moment with Ali.

In 1989, Foreman said, he and Ali were in England with Frazier, Kenny Norton and Larry Holmes as part of a “Champions Forever” tribute. It was five years after Ali had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

“He was still mouthy,” Foreman said. “And he made a statement, and it was on the front of some London paper, that ‘God is Black.’ They had a picture of him on the front page, and Frazier didn’t like it. Frazier didn’t like Muhammad.”

Later, Foreman recalled, the boxers were putting on tuxedos for a photo shoot.

“(Ali) came down and he was alone,” Foreman said. “He couldn’t put on his cuff links. He couldn’t even put the bow tie around his neck. And I made certain there wasn’t any cameras around and I took him in the room and I fixed him up because I wanted to make sure they see the beautiful Muhammad Ali.”

Frazier saw what happened, and on a ride back from the event that night, he was livid, according to Foreman.

“Frazier said, ‘Don’t help him. Don’t help him. Where are all those people that were screaming Ali? Where are all those hangers-on now? Nobody better help him. Leave him alone,'” Foreman said. “And I remember telling him, ‘Joe, we are our brother’s keeper.’

“There I was for the first time protecting what I was trying to destroy.”

As a boxing analyst for HBO, Foreman further cultivated his likable persona and he was engaging and readily available for interviews. Although as Mike Tyson prepared to fight Jake Paul on Nov. 15, Foreman communicated by text message.

“If he gets in shape like he’s in now, and then gets his timing back, and all the other things fall into place, he can have an opportunity to fight for the title,” Foreman said before Tyson lost to Paul by unanimous decision.

While Foreman withdrew from the public eye, lawyers were fighting on his behalf.

At the time of his death, Foreman faced civil lawsuits from three woman who said he sexually abused them in the 1970s. He denied the charges.

Athletes and boxing figures from across the world paid tribute to Foreman as news of his death spread Friday night.

“Tonight I am flooded with tears after learning of the death of my dear friend and broadcast partner George Foreman,” Hall of Fame boxing announcer Jim Lampley said in a statement. ” I loved him. He was a great fighter and a far, far greater human being. Every great thing that ever happened to him, and there were many extraordinary blessings, was richly deserved. My thoughts and prayers tonight are with his family and his friends and his congregation. It’s a massive loss, but I feel blessed and privileged to have known him and spent countless hours in his presence. He’s with Ali now, and they are at peace with each other.”

“Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten,” Tyson wrote on X.

“George was a great friend to not only myself but to my entire family. We’ve lost a family member and are absolutely devastated,” Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said in a statement.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHe5UtIJ4IQ/

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.

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.

We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.

Notable from throughout the combat sports community mourned Foreman’s death:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHfAl7rRNX4/?igsh=NGNqM3J6bDhybDlu

Warning: Buy Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou at your own risk

Warning: Buy Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou at your own risk.

I provide the exact same warning every time a “fight” like Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou is announced.

When we learned Floyd Mayweather would face Conor McGregor, I wrote that there was nothing wrong with buying into the mismatch as long as you understood what it was. If you found value in it, forking over the exorbitant pay-per-view fee made sense.

Fury vs. Ngannou is the same thing, an elite boxer vs. an MMA fighter with no formal boxing experience and almost no chance of winning. If you want to see it anyway, God bless you.

Of course, as a boxing fan, I’m disappointed that the 34-year-old Fury went this direction. He should be fighting Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua or another top big man, not a novice who will be 37 when they meet on Oct. 28 in Saudi Arabia.

Fury is the best heavyweight in the world, in his prime, he should be building his boxing legacy, not taking part in sideshows.

I’ll tune in when the time comes and it will be mildly interesting to see how quickly and in what manner Fury will knock out an opponent who really isn’t qualified to fight him beyond his striking experience in MMA, which will not have prepared him for what he’ll encounter in October.

Indeed, from a competitive standpoint, this matchup couldn’t be much worse. However, from a business standpoint, it’s brilliant.

First, let’s make something clear: This promotion is going to be successful given Fury’s popularity in his world, Ngannou’s following in his and the curiosity factor of a crossover fight. Who doesn’t take a peek at a car crash when driving by one?

As a result, Ngannou will make more money than he ever made as a mixed martial artist, although no figures have been reported. He essentially won the lottery. And Fury will enjoy another windfall with next to no risk, which is the best possible investment.

I don’t like the matchup as a sports event but, as a capitalist, I understand and appreciate the decision to make this fight.

And remember: Fury isn’t the first boxer to pull such a stunt.

I already mentioned Mayweather, who closed out his career with a 10th-round knockout of an overmatched McGregor. The event was a huge success, generating a reported 4.3 million pay-per-view buys in the U.S. and around $600 million in revenue.

Another example is Muhammad Ali, who famously faced Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki in 1976, five years before his final sanctioned boxing match. And George Foreman defeated five boxers on the same night in 1975, a bizarre, but intriguing spectacle.

So Fury isn’t breaking new ground. He’s simply making a living while he continues difficult talks with fellow titleholder Usyk and countryman Joshua, both of whom will probably face Fury before all is said and done.

Fury has yet to fight this year. We can all understand his desire to stay busy and provide for his family. Yes, he could also make good money against a fringe contender or even a journeyman but not the kind of payday he’ll command against Ngannou in Saudi Arabia, which has a lot of money to spend. That’s why he’s doing this in lieu of a big genuine fight.

This brings us back to my initial thought.

Once again, Fury vs. Ngannou isn’t a competitive matchup. It’s a gimmicky, glorified sparring session between big men who normally take part in different sports. If you find value in that and still want to buy the pay-per-view, enjoy it. If you believe that this is a serious sporting event, wake up!

[lawrence-related id=38047]

Warning: Buy Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou at your own risk

Warning: Buy Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou at your own risk.

I provide the exact same warning every time a “fight” like Tyson Fury vs. Francis Ngannou is announced.

When we learned Floyd Mayweather would face Conor McGregor, I wrote that there was nothing wrong with buying into the mismatch as long as you understood what it was. If you found value in it, forking over the exorbitant pay-per-view fee made sense.

Fury vs. Ngannou is the same thing, an elite boxer vs. an MMA fighter with no formal boxing experience and almost no chance of winning. If you want to see it anyway, God bless you.

Of course, as a boxing fan, I’m disappointed that the 34-year-old Fury went this direction. He should be fighting Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua or another top big man, not a novice who will be 37 when they meet on Oct. 28 in Saudi Arabia.

Fury is the best heavyweight in the world, in his prime, he should be building his boxing legacy, not taking part in sideshows.

I’ll tune in when the time comes and it will be mildly interesting to see how quickly and in what manner Fury will knock out an opponent who really isn’t qualified to fight him beyond his striking experience in MMA, which will not have prepared him for what he’ll encounter in October.

Indeed, from a competitive standpoint, this matchup couldn’t be much worse. However, from a business standpoint, it’s brilliant.

First, let’s make something clear: This promotion is going to be successful given Fury’s popularity in his world, Ngannou’s following in his and the curiosity factor of a crossover fight. Who doesn’t take a peek at a car crash when driving by one?

As a result, Ngannou will make more money than he ever made as a mixed martial artist, although no figures have been reported. He essentially won the lottery. And Fury will enjoy another windfall with next to no risk, which is the best possible investment.

I don’t like the matchup as a sports event but, as a capitalist, I understand and appreciate the decision to make this fight.

And remember: Fury isn’t the first boxer to pull such a stunt.

I already mentioned Mayweather, who closed out his career with a 10th-round knockout of an overmatched McGregor. The event was a huge success, generating a reported 4.3 million pay-per-view buys in the U.S. and around $600 million in revenue.

Another example is Muhammad Ali, who famously faced Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki in 1976, five years before his final sanctioned boxing match. And George Foreman defeated five boxers on the same night in 1975, a bizarre, but intriguing spectacle.

So Fury isn’t breaking new ground. He’s simply making a living while he continues difficult talks with fellow titleholder Usyk and countryman Joshua, both of whom will probably face Fury before all is said and done.

Fury has yet to fight this year. We can all understand his desire to stay busy and provide for his family. Yes, he could also make good money against a fringe contender or even a journeyman but not the kind of payday he’ll command against Ngannou in Saudi Arabia, which has a lot of money to spend. That’s why he’s doing this in lieu of a big genuine fight.

This brings us back to my initial thought.

Once again, Fury vs. Ngannou isn’t a competitive matchup. It’s a gimmicky, glorified sparring session between big men who normally take part in different sports. If you find value in that and still want to buy the pay-per-view, enjoy it. If you believe that this is a serious sporting event, wake up!

[lawrence-related id=38047]

7 boxers on list of 50 highest-paid athletes of all time, led by No. 8 Floyd Mayweather

Seven boxers are on a Sportico list of the 50 highest-paid athletes of all time, led by No. 8 Floyd Mayweather at $1.41 billion.

Boxers have always been among the highest-paid athletes. A Sportico report confirms that.

Seven boxers made the sports business media outlet’s list of the 50 highest-paid athletes of all time, including income from salary, purses, endorsements and other sources that is adjusted for inflation. That’s 14%, or around one in seven athletes on the list.

Floyd Mayweather is the highest-ranking boxer at No. 8, with $1.41 billion in earnings ($1.11 billion non-inflation adjusted).

Other boxers on the list are:

  • 16 Mike Tyson, $875 million ($455 million)
  • 21 Manny Pacquiao, $725 million ($560 million)
  • 24 George Foreman, $680 million ($355 million)
  • 27 Oscar De La hoya, $665 million ($410.3 million)
  • 38 Evander Holyfield, $600 million ($310.2 million)
  • 48 Canelo Alvarez, $525 million ($460 million)

Alvarez, 32, remains active, meaning he presumably will climb the list in the coming years.

Former National Basketball Assocation star Michael Jordan is No. 1 with $3.3 billion ($2.37 billion) in earnings. The NBA has 13 players on the list, more than any other sport.

Sportico explained how it arrived at its figures:

“Our earnings estimates are based on conversations with industry insiders. Sportico research and historical estimates in media outlets, such as Forbes and Sports Illustrated. Earnings include salaries, bonuses, prize money, purses, endorsements licensing, royalties, memorabilia, book deals, media, appearances and golf course design fees. We included cash earned from equity stakes in sponsor companies, like LeBron James’ stake in Beats Electronics, Kevin Durant’s share of Postmates and James Harden’s piece of BodyArmor.

“We did not factor in traditional investment income. Sportico included earnings during playing careers and retirement through 2022 and adjusted them for inflation. Earnings are calculated up until the time of death for Arnold Palmer and Kobe Bryant. All earnings are pre-tax and before any fees for agents and lawyers.”

7 boxers on list of 50 highest-paid athletes of all time, led by No. 8 Floyd Mayweather

Seven boxers are on a Sportico list of the 50 highest-paid athletes of all time, led by No. 8 Floyd Mayweather at $1.41 billion.

Boxers have always been among the highest-paid athletes. A Sportico report confirms that.

Seven boxers made the sports business media outlet’s list of the 50 highest-paid athletes of all time, including income from salary, purses, endorsements and other sources that is adjusted for inflation. That’s 14%, or around one in seven athletes on the list.

Floyd Mayweather is the highest-ranking boxer at No. 8, with $1.41 billion in earnings ($1.11 billion non-inflation adjusted).

Other boxers on the list are:

  • 16 Mike Tyson, $875 million ($455 million)
  • 21 Manny Pacquiao, $725 million ($560 million)
  • 24 George Foreman, $680 million ($355 million)
  • 27 Oscar De La hoya, $665 million ($410.3 million)
  • 38 Evander Holyfield, $600 million ($310.2 million)
  • 48 Canelo Alvarez, $525 million ($460 million)

Alvarez, 32, remains active, meaning he presumably will climb the list in the coming years.

Former National Basketball Assocation star Michael Jordan is No. 1 with $3.3 billion ($2.37 billion) in earnings. The NBA has 13 players on the list, more than any other sport.

Sportico explained how it arrived at its figures:

“Our earnings estimates are based on conversations with industry insiders. Sportico research and historical estimates in media outlets, such as Forbes and Sports Illustrated. Earnings include salaries, bonuses, prize money, purses, endorsements licensing, royalties, memorabilia, book deals, media, appearances and golf course design fees. We included cash earned from equity stakes in sponsor companies, like LeBron James’ stake in Beats Electronics, Kevin Durant’s share of Postmates and James Harden’s piece of BodyArmor.

“We did not factor in traditional investment income. Sportico included earnings during playing careers and retirement through 2022 and adjusted them for inflation. Earnings are calculated up until the time of death for Arnold Palmer and Kobe Bryant. All earnings are pre-tax and before any fees for agents and lawyers.”

George Foreman accused of sexually abusing two girls in 1970s

Former heavyweight champion George Foreman has been accused of sexually abusing two girls in the 1970s.

George Foreman has been accused of sexually abusing two minors in the 1970s, allegations he denies

The former heavyweight champion has been sued in Los Angeles County Superior Court by two women who say they met him as children through their fathers, one of whom was a sparring partner and the other a manager and advisor.

The women, going by the pseudonyms Gwen H. and Denise S., say in their complaint that Foreman groomed them for years and then forced them to have sex with him when they were young teens.

One of the women said that Foreman told her that her father could lose his job if she revealed what was happening.

Foreman evidently anticipated the suit. He released a statement to TMZ about a month ago that reads as follows:

“Over the past six months two women have been trying to extort millions of dollars each from me and my family. They are falsely claiming that I sexually abused them over 45 years ago in the 1970s.

“I adamantly and categorically deny these allegations. The pride I take in my reputation means as much to me as my sports accomplishments, and I will not be intimidated by baseless threats and lies.

The statement went on: “I am, and always will be, guided by my faith and trust in God. I will work with my lawyers to fully and truthfully expose my accusers’ scheme and defend myself in court. I don’t pick fights, but I don’t run away from them either.”

Foreman won a gold medal in the 1968 Olympics and went on to become a two-time heavyweight champion as a professional.

He won his first title by knocking out unbeaten Joe Frazier in 1973 but lost it by stoppage a year later in a classic fight with Muhammad Ali, “The Rumble in the Jungle.”

Foreman soon left boxing to become a minister only to return to the sport a decade later. He regained a portion of the championship by stopping Michael Moorer in 1994, when Foreman was 45.

He then became known as a television pitchman, primarily for the George Foreman Grill.

Foreman is 73.

George Foreman accused of sexually abusing two girls in 1970s

Former heavyweight champion George Foreman has been accused of sexually abusing two girls in the 1970s.

George Foreman has been accused of sexually abusing two minors in the 1970s, allegations he denies

The former heavyweight champion has been sued in Los Angeles County Superior Court by two women who say they met him as children through their fathers, one of whom was a sparring partner and the other a manager and advisor.

The women, going by the pseudonyms Gwen H. and Denise S., say in their complaint that Foreman groomed them for years and then forced them to have sex with him when they were young teens.

One of the women said that Foreman told her that her father could lose his job if she revealed what was happening.

Foreman evidently anticipated the suit. He released a statement to TMZ about a month ago that reads as follows:

“Over the past six months two women have been trying to extort millions of dollars each from me and my family. They are falsely claiming that I sexually abused them over 45 years ago in the 1970s.

“I adamantly and categorically deny these allegations. The pride I take in my reputation means as much to me as my sports accomplishments, and I will not be intimidated by baseless threats and lies.

The statement went on: “I am, and always will be, guided by my faith and trust in God. I will work with my lawyers to fully and truthfully expose my accusers’ scheme and defend myself in court. I don’t pick fights, but I don’t run away from them either.”

Foreman won a gold medal in the 1968 Olympics and went on to become a two-time heavyweight champion as a professional.

He won his first title by knocking out unbeaten Joe Frazier in 1973 but lost it by stoppage a year later in a classic fight with Muhammad Ali, “The Rumble in the Jungle.”

Foreman soon left boxing to become a minister only to return to the sport a decade later. He regained a portion of the championship by stopping Michael Moorer in 1994, when Foreman was 45.

He then became known as a television pitchman, primarily for the George Foreman Grill.

Foreman is 73.

Muhammad Ali’s title belt from KO of George Foreman sells for $6.18 million

The heavyweight title belt Muhammad Ali won by stopping George Foreman in 1974 sells for $6.18 million.

The name Muhammad Ali can still generate a great deal of money.

The heavyweight title belt he won by knocking out George Foreman in the famous “Rumble in Jungle” in 1974 sold at auction for a reported $6.18 million.

The boxing treasure was purchased by Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.

Irsay tweeted after the fact: “Muhammad Ali’s championship belt from 1974 ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ when he employed his rope-a-dope and defeated George Foreman – just added [to] @IrsayCollection. Proud to be the steward!”

Ali, 32 years old when he faced the then-unbeaten Foreman, was an underdog when they stepped into the ring in Kinshasa in what was then Zaire (now The Congo).

However, Ali used his now-historic “rope-a-dope” tactic, wore the muscle-bound Foreman down and stopped him in eight rounds to regain the heavyweight title that was stripped from him when he refused induction into the U.S. Armed Forces in 1967.

It was arguably the Hall of Famer’s greatest victory.

Muhammad Ali’s title belt from KO of George Foreman sells for $6.18 million

The heavyweight title belt Muhammad Ali won by stopping George Foreman in 1974 sells for $6.18 million.

The name Muhammad Ali can still generate a great deal of money.

The heavyweight title belt he won by knocking out George Foreman in the famous “Rumble in Jungle” in 1974 sold at auction for a reported $6.18 million.

The boxing treasure was purchased by Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay.

Irsay tweeted after the fact: “Muhammad Ali’s championship belt from 1974 ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ when he employed his rope-a-dope and defeated George Foreman – just added [to] @IrsayCollection. Proud to be the steward!”

Ali, 32 years old when he faced the then-unbeaten Foreman, was an underdog when they stepped into the ring in Kinshasa in what was then Zaire (now The Congo).

However, Ali used his now-historic “rope-a-dope” tactic, wore the muscle-bound Foreman down and stopped him in eight rounds to regain the heavyweight title that was stripped from him when he refused induction into the U.S. Armed Forces in 1967.

It was arguably the Hall of Famer’s greatest victory.