Johannesburg – South Africans have joined the World boxing fraternity in mourning the passing of two-time heavyweight champion of the world, Olympian and humanitarian, George Edward Foreman.
Foreman who reclaimed the heavyweight boxing title at age 45 and became a celebrated product pitchman, died at 76 on Friday, (21 March 2025), Human Rights Day in South Africa.
He peacefully departed 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,” his family said in an Instagram post.
Boxing South Africa said it was saddened by the passing of the two-time heavyweight champion.
Boxing South Africa Chairperson, Ayanda Khumalo thanked Foreman for his contributions and for being a “symbol of resilience and inspiration for many aspiring athletes all over the world.”
She said Foreman’s legacy among many, would be his legendary contribution to the sport of boxing and the indelible mark he’s left in the entire sport at large.
“We thank your family for sharing you with us all these years,” Khumalo said.
“As they say, ‘Legends never die’.
“Memories of the virtues and impactful life continue to live forever in our hearts”.
Recalling Foreman’s greatness the SABC reported that
he was an intimidating, thunderous puncher who lost his first title to Muhammad Ali in their famous “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974.
Big George was a more rotund, jovial figure when he knocked out Michael Moorer for his second crown two decades later.
Foreman’s comeback and the fortune he made selling fat-wicking electric cooking grills made him an icon of self-improvement and success for the Baby Boom generation.
Born in Marshall, Texas, on Jan. 10, 1949, Foreman’s family soon moved to Houston, where he and his six siblings were raised by a single mother.
Growing up poor in the segregated American South, Foreman dropped out of junior high school and used his size and fists in street robberies.
“George’s journey from the streets of Fifth Ward to boxing and business success was an inspiration,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in a statement.
“He never forgot where he came from … Houston will forever be proud to call George Foreman one of our own.”
The Job Corps, part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Great Society” reforms, “rescued me from the gutter,” Foreman later wrote.
Through the program, 16-year-old Foreman moved out of Texas and was encouraged to channel his rage and growing bulk into boxing.
