Boxing Legend George Foreman dies at 76

The former heavyweight champion George Foreman who shocked the world by reclaiming the title at age 45 has been reported dead on Friday at the age of 76, while record has it that he retired in 1997 finishing with an incredible record of 76 wins and only five losses.

Penpushing reports that the family confirmed his death in an Instagram post, adding that he peacefully departed and was surrounded by loved ones during his final departure

“With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who peacefully departed on 21 March, 2025, surrounded by loved ones’, the family wrote in an Instagram post.

Penpushing reports the deceased was a known as powerful, fearsome puncher in his prime, who first won the heavyweight title in 1973 by dismantling Joe Frazier in just two rounds.

The late boxer, however, lost the belt in the famous 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” against Muhammad Ali, who used his rope-a-dope strategy to wear Foreman down before knocking him out in the eighth round.

Penpushing further reports that Foreman two decades later at 45 staged one of the most improbable comebacks in sports history in 1994 when he knocked out Michael Moorer to become the oldest heavyweight champion ever, cementing his place as one of boxing’s great second acts.

The deceased born on January 10, 1949 in Marshall, Texas, he grew up poor in Houston’s tough Fifth Ward, raised by his single mother along with six siblings, while his remarkable journey was about more than just sports.

Penpushing also reports that record showed that he dropped out of junior high school and got into street crime, but his life changed when he joined the Job Corps, part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Great Society” programmes.

“George’s journey from the streets of Fifth Ward to boxing and business success was an inspiration. He never forgot where he came from … Houston will forever be proud to call George Foreman one of our own’, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in a statement

Penpushing reports that Foreman through the Job Corps, was encouraged to channel his energy into boxing, and at age 19, he won the heavyweight gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, and thereafter turned professional, winning his first 37 fights before demolishing Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica, to claim the world heavyweight title.

The legend stunning loss to Ali in 1974 deeply affected him and took a year off before returning, but after another defeat in 1977, he retired from boxing to become an ordained minister.

Penpushing further reports that record has it that for years, he focused on his faith and his community, founding a youth centre in Texas, and in 1987, he shocked the world by announcing a comeback at age 38 and weighing 315 pounds (143 kg).

The deceased fought his way back into contention, losing a title bout to Evander Holyfield in 1991 but continuing his journey, and in 1994, he completed his stunning return by knocking out Moorer and reclaiming the heavyweight crown.

Penpushing also reports that he was married five times, but his longest and final marriage was to Mary Joan Martelly, whom he wedded in 1985, and they both raised a large family, including five sons all named George and seven daughters, two of whom were adopted.

FOOTNOTE: You want to share story with us? You want to advertise with us? You need publicity for product, or service, or   event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348073463653 or email penpushing@yahoo.com