Legendary former world heavyweight champion George Foreman has passed away at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy that spans generations both inside and outside the boxing ring. His departure was confirmed through his official social media accounts, emphasizing the peaceful presence of his loved ones and requesting privacy at this difficult time.

What Was George Foreman’s Cause of Death?

As of now, Foreman’s family has not publicly revealed the exact cause of his death. In an emotional statement shared on Instagram, it was simply noted that he “passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones,” requesting respect and privacy during this challenging moment.

Who Was George Foreman, and Why Is He Important in Boxing History?

George Edward Foreman was born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas. He began his boxing career by winning a gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games in the heavyweight division. His professional boxing debut in 1969 was explosive, achieving an impressive record of 76 wins and just five losses throughout his entire career.

His historic fights include the iconic bout with Muhammad Ali, “The Rumble in the Jungle” (1974), one of the most memorable events in sports history, and his victory over undefeated Michael Moorer in 1994, reclaiming the world championship title at the improbable age of 45.

How Much Money Did George Foreman Earn from Boxing?

Although his boxing career was highly successful, the fortune accumulated during his time in the ring was surprisingly modest compared to his subsequent wealth. By the end of his first boxing phase, Foreman had earned approximately $5 million, which quickly disappeared due to poor investments and an extravagant lifestyle. This led him nearly to bankruptcy in the 1980s.

How Did George Foreman Build His Fortune After Boxing?

George Foreman made an extraordinary financial comeback, this time away from punches and the ring. His major commercial success was the creation and promotion of the famous “George Foreman Grill,” a domestic grill designed to cook food in a healthier way. This product revolutionized the market, selling over 100 million units worldwide.

Initially, Foreman received 40% of profits from each grill sold, generating nearly $4.5 million monthly at its peak. Later, Salton Inc. paid him $138 million for exclusive rights to use his name. It’s estimated that the boxer earned more than $200 million from this product alone, greatly multiplying his original boxing earnings.

What Was George Foreman’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death?

At the time of his death, George Foreman had an estimated net worth of approximately $300 million. This wealth was primarily accumulated through his business ventures outside of boxing, especially from the massive sales of the “George Foreman Grill” and other successful investments like his partnership in the Panther Racing Indy Car team, as well as earnings from television appearances and authoring ten books.

How Many Children Did George Foreman Have?

George Foreman had a large family consisting of 12 children from various relationships. Famously, he named all five of his sons “George Edward Foreman,” while his daughters also carried George as a middle name, except for one daughter named Georgetta.

Foreman was married five times, with his final marriage being to Mary Joan from 1985 until his death. He always encouraged his children toward higher education, although some followed his footsteps into boxing and other fields like music.

Where Did George Foreman Live?

In the later years of his life, Foreman primarily lived in a home in Houston, Texas. Additionally, he owned a property known as “The Foreman Ranch,” an extensive estate of approximately 300 acres located in Marshall, Texas, where he enjoyed spending time with his family.

George Foreman’s Unforgettable Legacy

George Foreman leaves behind not just an impressive sports career but also a testimony of perseverance and entrepreneurial success. His story is an inspiring example that demonstrates how it is possible to reinvent oneself beyond professional sports and become influential in fields as diverse as nutrition, business, and television.

Loved by generations for both his charisma and ring achievements, Foreman will be remembered not only as a boxing champion but also as a man who successfully rose and shined beyond the boxing arena.