George Foreman, the heavyweight boxing legend who famously traded punches in the ring for preaching in the pulpit, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025. He was 76 years old.

Born in Marshall, Texas, in 1949, Foreman’s life journey was one marked by transformation, triumph, and a powerful Christian testimony. His family announced his passing on social media, writing, “With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who peacefully departed surrounded by loved ones. A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.”

Though known around the world for his explosive fists and larger-than-life personality, Foreman’s greatest victory was not in the ring—but in his heart when he gave his life to Christ.

A troubled youth, Foreman turned his life around after joining the Job Corps at 16 and discovered boxing at 17. Just two years later, he won Olympic gold at the 1968 Mexico City Games. His professional career exploded soon after. With a fearsome 76-5 record and 68 knockouts, he became one of the most dominant heavyweight fighters in history.

He knocked out Joe Frazier in 1973 to win his first heavyweight title, but his most iconic bout came in 1974 when he lost the title to Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle.” Just three years later, Foreman’s life changed forever—not in a fight, but in a moment of crisis.

After losing a match to Jimmy Young in 1977, Foreman collapsed in the locker room from exhaustion and heatstroke. In what he described as a near-death experience, he believed God gave him a second chance. That moment marked the end of his first boxing career—and the beginning of a new mission.

He became a born-again Christian and an ordained minister and founded the George Foreman Youth and Community Center in Houston, Texas, in 1984. “God saved me that day,” Foreman would later recall. I left the ring and entered the ministry.”

In one of the sports’ most miraculous comebacks, Foreman returned to boxing at age 38, and in 1994, he stunned the world by regaining the heavyweight title at 45, defeating Michael Moorer. “Anything you desire, you can make happen,” he said after the fight. “When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true. Well, look at me tonight.”

Foreman officially retired from boxing in 1997, but by then, he had already become a household name beyond sports. Through his entrepreneurial efforts—most famously the George Foreman Grill—he reached millions more and used his platform to share his testimony, always with a joyful smile and a deep reverence for the God who saved him.

Foreman often said his most prized title was not “champion” but “dad.” He had 12 children, including five sons, all named George Edward Foreman. “I named all my sons George so they’d always have something in common,” he explained. “If one of us goes up, we all go up together.”

Whether appearing on TV shows, preaching to youth, or sharing his faith in interviews, Foreman never strayed from the message of God’s redeeming grace. “I was lost, but Jesus found me,” he once said. “And He gave me new life.”

Tributes from all walks of life have poured in. Fellow boxing legend Mike Tyson wrote, “His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.” NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen added, “Your legacy lives on, champ.”

But perhaps the most fitting legacy is the one Foreman’s family described: “A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father… he lived a life marked by unwavering faith.”

George Foreman was more than a fighter—he was a man transformed by Christ, who used his platform not just to throw punches but to preach peace, purpose, and the power of God’s love.

As the bell rings one final time for “Big George,” we remember the man who fought the good fight—inside the ring and beyond—and finished his race with faith.

Rest in peace, Champ. Your legacy of faith, family, and fierce love for God lives on.