Legendary boxing icon George Foreman passed away on Friday at the age of 76, leaving behind an incredible legacy in the sport as well as a vast fortune estimated at $300 million. Foreman, a two-time heavyweight boxing champion, was not only renowned for his dominance in the ring but also for his success in business.
Foreman had been battling illness in recent years before he succumbed, sending the boxing community into mourning. His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow athletes, and boxing organizations worldwide.
Born in 1949, Foreman rose to prominence as a dominant force in the boxing world, winning an Olympic gold medal in 1968 before turning professional. He went on to win the heavyweight championship twice and amassed an impressive career record of 76 wins and just five losses, only one of which was by knockout.
One of the most memorable moments in his career was the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” fight against Muhammad Ali on October 20, 1974, in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). Entering the match as the undefeated heavyweight champion, Foreman faced Ali in front of over 60,000 fans. However, he suffered a stunning eighth-round knockout loss in a bout that would go down in history as one of the greatest sporting events of the 20th century.
Despite his loss to Ali, Foreman continued to fight and later made a stunning comeback in the 1990s, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion at the age of 45. His achievements in the ring solidified his place among the greatest boxers of all time.
Beyond boxing, Foreman proved to be a savvy businessman. He was the face behind the George Foreman Grill, a popular countertop cooking appliance that became a household name. The grill business alone reportedly earned him around $200 million, making him one of the wealthiest athletes in history.
Foreman was married five times throughout his life and had 12 children five sons and seven daughters. In an unusual yet endearing choice, all five of his sons were named George, a decision he made to ensure they carried on his legacy. His longest marriage was to Mary Joan Martelly, whom he married in 1985 and remained with until his passing.
His children are among those expected to inherit his vast fortune, which includes earnings from his boxing career, business ventures, and endorsement deals.
Foreman’s death marks the end of an era in boxing, but his impact on the sport and his influence as an entrepreneur will be remembered for generations to come. His resilience, both inside and outside the ring, serves as an inspiration to athletes and business-minded individuals alike.
