In the months leading up to his death, boxing legend George Foreman shared a poignant message with his fans.
The former heavyweight champion passed away at the age of 76, his family confirmed on social media.
“Our hearts are broken,” their statement read. “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 remembered him as “a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.”
Boxing legend George Foreman has died at the age of 76 (Roger Kisby/Getty Images for Hublot)
The family’s statement continued: “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.”
Foreman is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Joan Martelly, and their 12 children.
Before his passing, Foreman shared his final Instagram post in November 2024, where he had 222,000 followers. Alongside a snapshot from his November 1994 heavyweight championship fight against Michael Moorer, the boxing legend wrote:
“Thirty years ago today! I started my day believing, ‘All things are possible if we only believe.’ The power of a prayer—great or small. (Now a prayer over my lunch) ‘that I only have one helping.'”
Tributes have been pouring in since news of his death broke. Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson said Foreman’s “contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
Top Rank chief executive Bob Arum added, “George was a great friend, not only to me but to my entire family. We’ve lost a family member and are absolutely devastated.”
Ex-NBA star Magic Johnson, who won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, also honored Foreman, saying it was a “pleasure getting to know him, not just as a boxer, but as a man.”
Foreman is survived by his 12 children (Instagram/@biggeorgeforeman)
He wrote on Twitter: “I was really sad to hear the news that one of my boxing heroes, George Foreman, passing away.
“I attended so many of George’s championship fights over his career. He was a knockout artist in the ring, and it was a pleasure getting to know him not only as a boxer but as a man.
“After leaving the ring, he turned into an amazing businessman — I even bought one of the first George Foreman grills! Cookie [Johnson’s wife] and I will be praying for his family during this time.”
