George Foreman died, a world boxing legend

The recognized Exboxer George Foremanwho conquered the gold medal in the Olympics of 1968 and obtained twice the world title of Heavyweightshe died to 76 yearsas confirmed by his family through social networks. Beyond his achievements in the ring, it was admired by the longevity of his career.

His last appearance in an official fight occurred in 1997almost three decades after its Olympic consecration. In addition to its impact on the world of boxing, also He stood out in the business field.

The death of the legendary pugilist was announced by your family in a statement spread through Instagram @BiggeorgeForeman, without providing details about the causes of death. In the message, they said: “We have the heart shattered. With deep pain, we announce the death of our beloved George Edward Foreman Mr.”

In the publication, his loved ones described him as a man of faith, with a strong link with his surroundings and a fighter both inside and outside the quadrilateral. “Devoteing preacher, committed husband, loving father and proud grandfather and great grandfather, lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility and determination,” they said.

George Foreman’s story

Born in Marshall, Texasin 1949, George Foreman He faced economic difficulties in his childhood. However, he found in boxing a way to overcome adversities. His talent allowed him to stand out in the amateur circuit, until in 1968 he reached the glory by hanging the gold medal in the Olympic Games in Mexico.

His celebration after that triumph, waving the flag of the USAit became an iconic image of sport.

After his Olympic consecration, he began his professional career in 1969. Four years later, in 1973, he achieved the world title of heavyweights When beating for knockout Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica. Against all forecast, Foreman won with forcefulness.

He successfully defended his crown against José Román and Ken Nortonbefore facing Muhammad Ali on October 30, 1974. That fight, held in Kinshasa, Congo (current democratic republic of the Congo), went down in history under the name of “Rumble in the Jungle” (“The fight in the jungle”).

With a bag of $ 10 milliondistributed equally between both fighters, the duel captured worldwide attention. Foreman arrived as a favorite, thanks to his powerful glue and strategy to enclose his opponents against the ropes. However, Ali He applied an unexpected technique: he allowed Foreman to cornered him as he resisted his blows, waiting for the right time to counterattack.

During the fight, Ali sought to destabilize his rival psychologically, whispering phrases such as: “Do you disappoint me. Is all how strong you know?” The strategy worked, and when Foremanexhausted, his guard down, Ali He launched a powerful right that sent him to the canvas, making sure the victory in the “Combat of the century”.

At first, Foreman rejected defeat, although he finally recognized her. Over the years, both pugilists forged a friendship. This legendary fight inspired the writer Norman Mailerwho in his book “The fight” He addressed the sports and social implications of the confrontation.

His last days and the business legacy

One of his most emblematic triumphs occurred in 1994, when with 45 years recovered the world title after defeating Michael Moorer. In this way, it became the oldest boxer to conquer the championship of the Heavyweights. In addition, no one before had achieved two titles in the category with such a wide interval between them.

Beyond his sports career, Foreman left his mark as a preacher, performing as a pastor of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the business world, it reached financial success thanks to its electric grill for meats, a product that generated millions in sales and consolidated its status as an influential figure beyond ring.