Foreman faced Muhammad Ali in 1974 in one of boxing’s most famous matchups, the Jungle Rumble.
Former world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman passed away at the age of 76 after a decorative career as an athlete, pastor and businessman.
In a statement on Saturday morning, Foreman’s family wrote on Instagram that the boxing legend had died the night before “surrounded by his loved ones.”
“A venerable preacher, devoted husband, loving father, proud grandson and great grandfather, he lived a life characterized by unwavering faith, humility and purpose,” his family writes.
“A humanitarian, Olympian and two-time heavyweight champion, he was deeply respected. He is the protector of his power, discipline, belief, and his legacy, and has a tireless battle to maintain his good name for his family.”
Born in Marshall, Texas in 1949, Foreman’s family moved to Houston, where he grew up poor in the isolated South and dropped out of middle school.
At the age of 16, Foreman was encouraged to lead his anger and height into boxing after joining the Corps of Jobs, which was part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “great society” reforms.
By the age of 19, in his 25th amateur fight, Foreman had won the heavyweight boxing gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. After his victory, Foreman became a pro and won his first heavyweight championship in 1973.
However, his success was short-lived after losing Muhammad Ali’s first title in the famous “Jungle of the Jungle” battle in 1974.
However, defeat took a year off before returning to the ring, and after another occupational loss, he retired in 1977 to become an appointed pastor of the Church of Lord Jesus Christ.
Ten years later, Foreman returned to the ring to raise money for a youth center established in Texas, winning 24th straight after losing Hollyfield to Evanderfield in 1991 in a 12-round decision.
Three years later, at age 45, Foreman knocked out undefeated Michael Mooler, 19-year-old junior, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
In 1997, following Foreman’s final match, he ended his career with a professional record of 76 wins and five losses.
But boxing writer and broadcaster Gareth A. Davis told Al Jazeera that Foreman is among the “top five of all time” boxers.
“He was a beautiful guy around him. He had a huge presence that filled the room.
“One thing about him is his humility… (Muhammad) I remember talking to him when Ali passed away in 2016.
Outside the ring, Foreman was best known as the face of the George Foreman Grill.
The cooker sells over 100 million units, making more money than his boxing career.
Foreman was survived by five sons, George, five biological daughters and two adopters.