George Foreman, one of the most renowned and enduring heavyweight boxing champions, has passed away at the age of 76. A legendary figure in boxing, Foreman was an Olympic gold medalist and a heavyweight champion in professional boxing.

“With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman, surrounded by his loved ones,” his family stated.

Known for his fearsome punches, Foreman lost his first professional title to Muhammad Ali during their iconic match known as “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974.

Two decades later, Big George made history by knocking out Michael Moorer, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion at the age of 45.

At just 19 years old, in his 25th amateur fight, Foreman claimed the heavyweight gold medal at the 1968 Olympics held in Mexico City.

In the professional arena, he achieved 37 consecutive wins before challenging reigning champion Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica, where he secured victory via technical knockout in the second round.

Foreman successfully defended his title twice more before facing Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire (today known as the Democratic Republic of Congo), in a match that remains one of the most legendary in boxing history.

During the fight, Ali stayed against the ropes for seven rounds, absorbing Foreman’s powerful punches, eventually exhausting him and delivering a knockout in the eighth round.

“I was a hitting machine, and that was the first time that I put everything I had into it, and nothing worked,” Foreman reflected in 2007.

After taking a ten-year hiatus, he returned to the ring and won 24 fights before facing Evander Holyfield in a twelve-round bout which he lost by decision in 1991. Three years later, he reclaimed a title with a victory over Moorer, concluding his career with an impressive record of 76 wins and 5 losses.

Tributes have poured in from many, including the President of the United States, honoring this sports legend.

“He undoubtedly possessed the hardest and most powerful punch in boxing history. Aside from Ali, a punch from him typically resulted in a knockout. He was incredibly special, but above all, he was a wonderful person with a personality that was larger than life. I knew him well, and I will miss him dearly. My heartfelt condolences to his beautiful family,” Donald Trump expressed.

Others, including Billie Jean King, Mike Tyson, Magic Johnson, Michael Buffer, Mauricio Soleimani, Bob Arum, and Frank Warren, have also bid their farewells to Foreman.

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