Boxing legend George Foreman dies at 76

Former heavyweight champion George Foreman, who famously lost to Muhammad Ali in the 1974 Rumble in the Jungle before reclaiming the title two decades later, passed away on 21 March at the age of 76. His family announced the news in a statement, saying Foreman died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

"We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as we honour the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own," the statement read.

Born in Texas on 10 January 1949, Foreman grew up in Houston in a troubled household. The man he believed to be his father was often absent and struggling with alcoholism. He later discovered his biological father, a decorated Second World War veteran, only after winning the world heavyweight title.

As a teenager, Foreman was involved in petty crime and dropped out of school at 16. His younger brother Roy once described him as the "terrorist of the neighbourhood," an imposing figure at 6ft 2in and 200 pounds.

However, boxing changed the course of his life. Initially, he wanted to pursue American football but took up boxing to prove his toughness to friends. Just a year and 25 fights later, he became an Olympic gold medallist.

At the 1968 Mexico Olympics, the 19-year-old bulldozed his way to the super-heavyweight gold. In a stark contrast to the famous black power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos after the 200m final, Foreman celebrated his victory by waving an American flag in the ring.

At 6ft 4in (1.93m), 'Big George' was a physically imposing force in the heavyweight division. He rose through the professional ranks with his relentless power, dismantling Joe Frazier in just two rounds to claim the heavyweight title.

the rumble in the jungle and the fall

By the time Foreman faced Muhammad Ali in Kinshasa in October 1974, he was undefeated in 40 professional fights, with all but three victories coming by stoppage. However, Ali's famous 'rope-a-dope' strategy exhausted the champion, leading to an eighth-round knockout loss.

"I just couldn't believe I'd lost the world title," Foreman admitted later. "It was the most embarrassing moment of my life."

His attempt at another title shot ended in a points defeat to Jimmy Young in Puerto Rico in 1977. After the fight, he fell seriously ill and claimed to have had a religious experience, which led him to retire at 28 and become an ordained minister.

A decade later, Foreman shocked the boxing world by announcing a comeback. Gone was the chiseled young fighter; in his place was a bald, heavier man who many dismissed as a gimmick. But Foreman insisted his return was to fund a youth centre.

Between 1987 and 1990, he fought 21 times, mostly against lesser opponents, winning all but one by knockout. His resurgence earned him title fights against Evander Holyfield in 1991 and Tommy Morrison in 1993, both of which he lost on points.

In November 1994, at the age of 45, Foreman faced Michael Moorer for the WBA and IBF titles. Wearing the same shorts from his fight against Ali 20 years earlier, Foreman was trailing badly when he landed a devastating punch in the 10th round to win by knockout, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history.

He later lost his WBA and IBF titles for refusing mandatory defences but continued fighting until 1997. His final bout, a points loss to Shannon Briggs at 48, marked the end of an illustrious career.

Foreman retired with a record of 76 wins from 81 fights, with 68 victories by knockout.

Foreman's post-boxing career saw him become a household name with the George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine, a product he endorsed with his signature friendly persona. He also hosted a television show in 1996 called Bad Dads.

He was married four times and fathered 10 children, adopting two more. All five of his sons were named George Edward, a decision he explained by saying, "If one of us goes up, then we all go up together, and if one goes down, we all go down together."