Marshall, Texas: George Foreman, an American professional boxer and businessman, passed away at 76 on March 21, 2025. His family has yet to release his death cause.
His brother, Roy Foreman, significantly impacted the boxing world. He managed him through his championship titles and promoted over 200 fights across the Americas and Europe.
Highlights
- George Foreman grew up with six siblings in the Fifth Ward community of Houston, Texas.
- His brother, Roy, managed his career and promoted over 200 boxing matches across the Americas and Europe.
- The US State Department appointed Roy America’s Ambassador for Sports, and he served on the US Olympic Boxing Committee.
George Edward Foreman, also known as Big George, is regarded as one of the hardest punchers in boxing history.
He rose to fame as a two-time world heavyweight champion and an Olympic gold medalist. He had an impressive boxing career, with 76 wins (68 by knockout) out of 81 fights.
Beyond the ring, George became a successful entrepreneur, famously promoting the George Foreman Grill, which sold over 100 million units worldwide.
He also became an ordained Christian minister after a transformative experience in 1977, temporarily leading him to retire from boxing.
Remarkably, he made a comeback in 1987 and, at 45, defeated Michael Moorer in 1994 to become the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
George Foreman’s Brother, Roy, Managed His Boxing Career
George Foreman grew up in the Fifth Ward community of Houston, Texas, with six siblings: Roy Foreman, Mary Dumas, Gloria Ann Foreman, Willie Mae, Kenneth, and Robert Wayne.
The Foreman name is synonymous with boxing greatness, thanks to the legendary George Foreman.
Every great person has a family that influences their path, and in George’s case, his brother Roy Foreman has contributed to the Foreman story in a significant way.
Even though Roy isn’t a well-known boxer, his life and relationship with George provide an intriguing look into the Foreman family’s history. He has made a name for himself in the boxing and entertainment industries.
With over 25 years of experience, he managed George’s career, guiding him through his championship titles. He also promoted over 200 boxing matches across the Americas and Europe, showcasing his expertise in the sport.
The US State Department appointed him America’s Ambassador for Sports, and he served on the US Olympic Boxing Committee.
Similarly, he was appointed Commissioner of Boxing for The People’s Republic of China.
Beyond boxing, Roy hosted his show on the Comcast Network for eight years and worked as a ringside announcer for HBO Sports.
He has also been involved in philanthropy and youth organizations, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community.
Nonetheless, Roy has ventured into business with his sports apparel brand, “Foreman Gear.”
George Foreman’s Family Mourns The Tragic Loss
George Foreman was a successful entrepreneur and a towering figure in boxing. His life journey took him from poverty to global fame.
Unfortunately, he lost his life at 76 in Houston, Texas, on March 21, 2025.
George’s legacy as a two-time world heavyweight champion, Olympic gold medalist, and cultural icon will forever be remembered.
His boxing career began in the late 1960s, and he quickly rose through the ranks with his raw power and relentless fighting style. He became one of the most feared heavyweights of his era.
In 1968, he won a gold medal at the Mexico City Olympics. After his victory, he famously waved a small American flag, a moment that endeared him to fans worldwide.
After a brief retirement, he staged one of the most remarkable comebacks in sports history, reclaiming the heavyweight title in 1994. This victory made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history, a record that still stands today.
After retiring from boxing, George reinvented himself as a successful entrepreneur and cultural icon. He became a minister and dedicated his life to helping others, using his platform to inspire and uplift.
Moreover, he is also a devoted family man, fathering 12 children: five sons and seven daughters. He famously named all five sons George Edward Foreman, reflecting his unique sense of humor and love for his family.
George married Adrienne Calhoun from 1971 to 1974, Cynthia Lewis from 1977 to 1979, Sharon Goodson from 1981 to 1982, and Andrea Skeete from 1982 to 1985.
He was married to Mary Joan Martelly from 1985 until his death. His family will soon announce his memorial and funeral service to close friends and family.
He was a proud grandfather and a beloved figure. Many remembered him in their heartfelt tribute.
Rest in peace, George Foreman. He and my father had a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for each other. Not only was he a phenomenal heavyweight champion, but he truly had one of the kindest and most giving hearts. May his love and legacy continue to inspire his family and countless others who lives he touched.
Laila Ali
Nonetheless, his larger-than-life personality, infectious smile, and unwavering optimism made him a beloved figure worldwide.
Rest in peace, Champ George Foreman.
Additional Information
- George Foreman, the son of Leroy Moorehead, was born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas.
- J. D. Foreman raised him, whom his mother married when he was a small child.
- George idolized Jim Brown and was interested in football but gave it up for boxing.
- His net worth was estimated at $300 million at his demise.
