The boxing world was struck with heartbreaking news on Friday in a Houston hospital—George Foreman, the legendary heavyweight champion, passed away at 76. Alongside Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, Foreman was part of the triumvirate that defined the golden era of heavyweight boxing in the 1970s. His dominance in the ring, his comeback story, his larger-than-life presence coupled with his gentle nature made him an icon. Poignantly, in just four days, the boxing world was set to mark the 51st anniversary of his fortieth bout. But before that could happen, he took his final breath. His family confirmed the news in a statement: “With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr, who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.”
As the world mourns, one question lingers—what caused his death? Neither George Foreman’s family nor officials have revealed his official cause of death. However, moments after the news broke, speculation took over social media. Some fans pointed to an old video of Foreman receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, fueling debates online. But is there any truth to these notions?
In the years leading up to his death, whispers about Foreman’s health surfaced occasionally. Back in 2023, unverified rumors suggested he was battling serious issues, but those were put to rest when he made a public appearance looking as strong as ever. The boxing legend himself once admitted to undergoing multiple knee surgeries, telling AARP in 2014 that he had “about four knee operations.”
More recently, his brother, Roy Foreman had claimed that the two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist suffered a massive stroke and “never quite recovered” from that. Nevertheless, according to the family’s Instagram post, he passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, suggesting a death due to natural causes at 76 rather than a sudden illness. That should be enough to put a stop to the rumor mills from speculating further. Regardless, it’s a loss too great to bear for boxing.
George Foreman: A career par excellence
George Foreman wasn’t just a great fighter—he was a force of nature. His story is almost mythical, full of impossible feats that defied the odds.
For starters, winning an Olympic gold medal after only a year and a half of boxing experience is unreal. Most fighters spend their entire youth training for that moment, but Big George walked in with just 26 amateur fights and left as a champion. Then, just a few years later, at the age of 24, he dismantled an undefeated Joe Frazier in two brutal rounds, knocking him down six times in their first match in 1973 to become the unified heavyweight champion. Every time Frazier hit the canvas, legendary commentator Howard Cosell’s voice echoed: “Down goes Frazier!” ‘Smokin Joe’ was an all-time great, a relentless warrior who had even beaten Muhammad Ali just two years before, yet Foreman made it look effortless. But perhaps the most astonishing part of his career was his comeback in 1987.
If there’s one thing George Foreman proved to the world, it’s that greatness has no expiration date. Ten years after quitting boxing, he returned to the squared circle at the age of 38. After a string of victories, in 1994, he shocked the world by knocking out Michael Moorer in the tenth round to reclaim the heavyweight championship at the age of 45. No other fighter to date has been able to surpass Big George’s astounding feat. Imagine an aging Super Bowl team or an old Wimbledon champion returning to win decades later. It doesn’t happen. But for Foreman, it did.
George Foreman was terrifying inside the ring. Standing 6’3½” with an 82-inch reach and sledgehammer fists, he had one of the highest knockout percentages in boxing history. He wasn’t just strong—he was a machine. His uppercuts could lift opponents off their feet. His jab was a battering ram. His right hand? A wrecking ball. He didn’t just hit hard—he shattered wills. Even boxing legends like Jack Dempsey and Joe Louis admitted Foreman was the hardest puncher they had ever seen.
Of course, one fight changed everything—The Rumble in the Jungle against Muhammad Ali. Many say Ali “outboxed” Foreman, but that’s only part of the story. Foreman cut off the ring brilliantly, forcing Ali to fight off the ropes. What won the fight wasn’t just Ali’s skill—it was his chin, endurance, and sheer willpower. He let Foreman punch himself out, then took advantage when the moment was right. That loss could have defined Foreman. Instead, it became just another chapter in his story.
And that’s the thing about George Foreman—he never followed the script. He wrote his own and it will be remembered for years to come.
Rest in peace, legend. Your legacy lives on.
The post George Foreman’s Cause of Death- What Happened to the Boxing Legend? appeared first on EssentiallySports.