Table of Contents
Key Points
- Two-time heavyweight champion and entrepreneur George Foreman passed away peacefully in Houston on March 21, 2025, surrounded by family.
- The George Foreman Grill sold over 100 million units, earning him over $200 million—far more than his boxing career.
- Foreman shocked the world by retiring in 1977 to become a minister before making a historic comeback to win the heavyweight title at 45.
Two-time world heavyweight boxing champion and successful entrepreneur George Foreman, best known for his legendary career in the ring and the iconic George Foreman Grill, has passed away at the age of 76.
The Texas-born boxing legend died peacefully at a Houston hospital on Mar. 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Boxing legend’s family shares heartfelt tribute
“Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. who peacefully departed on Mar. 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones,” his family shared in a heartfelt statement on his official Instagram page Friday night.
"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 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’s faith, fight, and triumph
Foreman’s journey to greatness began with a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City when he was just 19. He then turned professional and won 37 consecutive matches, ultimately losing only five bouts in his career.
After his second professional loss, he shocked the boxing world by retiring in 1977 and dedicating his life to ministry. He became an ordained minister and founded the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Texas.
A decade later, Foreman made an improbable return to boxing, hoping to raise money for a youth center he had established. He won 24 matches before facing Evander Holyfield in 1991, where he went the distance but lost after 12 rounds.
Then, in 1994, in one of the greatest moments in boxing history, Foreman knocked out undefeated Michael Moorer to become the oldest heavyweight champion ever at 45.
Foreman made millions from grill sales
Outside the ring, Foreman built an empire with his George Foreman Grill, which became a household staple after its launch in 1994. His famous catchphrase, the “Lean Mean Grilling Machine,” helped drive sales of more than 100 million units.
Originally approached by Salton, Inc. to endorse the fat-reducing grill, Foreman’s charisma and business savvy turned it into a massive success. In 1999, Salton paid him $138 million for the rights to his name.
At its peak, the deal earned him $4.5 million a month, bringing his total endorsement earnings to over $200 million—far surpassing his boxing career earnings and securing his place among the wealthiest Black entrepreneurs in America.
Foreman’s last dance: Cars auctioned
Foreman’s legacy extends far beyond boxing. He was a fighter in every sense—a champion in the ring, a businessman with an unstoppable drive, and a man whose faith and generosity left a lasting impact.
In December 2023, just over a year before his passing, Foreman made headlines once again—not in the ring, but at an auction. He put more than 50 prized vehicles from his personal collection up for sale on Hagerty Marketplace.
His collection spanned decades of automotive history, featuring rare and luxury models from the 1930s to modern times, including a 1931 Ford Model A Cabriolet A400, as well as Ferraris, BMWs, Porsches, Rolls-Royces, and Bentleys.
