When did George Foreman die?
George Foreman, the legendary two-time world heavyweight boxing champion, passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76. His family confirmed his death in a statement, remembering him as a devoted husband, preacher, and father. While Foreman’s name is etched in boxing history, one of the most intriguing aspects of his life was his approach to fatherhood—he gave all five of his sons the same name: George Edward Foreman.
Why Did George Foreman Name All His Sons After Himself?
Foreman’s decision to name his five sons George Edward Foreman was not just a matter of tradition; it was a statement of unity. He wanted them to feel deeply connected, emphasizing that if one succeeded, they all succeeded, and if one faced struggles, they would all face them together. This philosophy was central to how he raised his children.
However, Foreman also had a humorous take on his naming choice. Having endured years of brutal fights against some of boxing’s biggest legends—including Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, and Ken Norton—he joked that remembering multiple names would have been too difficult after so many blows to the head.
To avoid confusion, each son was given a nickname:
- George III – “Monk”
- George IV – “Big Wheel”
- George V – “Red”
- George VI – “Little George”
These nicknames allowed them to establish their own identities while still carrying their father’s legacy.
How many children did George Foreman have?
Foreman had a total of 12 children—five sons and seven daughters. His daughters included Natalia, Leola, Michi, Georgetta, and Freeda. Later in life, he adopted two more daughters, Isabella and Courtney.
Some of his children followed his path into boxing. Freeda, his daughter, had a short but successful professional career, retiring in 2001 with a 5-1 record. She tragically passed away in 2019 at the age of 42. His son George III, known as “Monk,” also boxed professionally, finishing with a perfect 16-0 record before shifting to business and co-founding the EveryBodyFights boxing gym chain.
Others took different career paths. Georgetta built a successful career as a television producer, working on legal shows such as Justice for All with Judge Cristina Perez and America’s Court with Judge Ross.
Despite his fame, Foreman made a conscious effort to be a present and involved father. His daughter Georgetta recalled that he dedicated special days to each child, allowing them to choose how to spend time with him. This simple but meaningful tradition helped strengthen their family bond.
Who Was George Foreman?
Born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, George Foreman’s rise from a troubled childhood to global boxing stardom was nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up in a poor neighborhood, he struggled in school and often got into trouble. His life took a dramatic turn when he joined the Job Corps, where he discovered boxing.
His talent was undeniable. He won a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, launching him into professional boxing. By 1973, he had become the world heavyweight champion after knocking out Joe Frazier in a brutal second-round victory.
However, his most famous fight came in 1974 in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” against Muhammad Ali. Despite being the heavy favorite, Foreman fell victim to Ali’s now-famous “rope-a-dope” strategy, tiring himself out before being knocked out in the eighth round.
After losing to Jimmy Young in 1977, Foreman experienced what he described as a near-death religious awakening. He retired from boxing and became a Christian preacher, dedicating his life to ministry.
What happened to George Foreman?
For a decade, Foreman focused on preaching and running a youth center. But in the late 1980s, facing financial difficulties, he made an unlikely return to boxing at the age of 38. Initially dismissed as a joke due to his age and weight, he slowly proved critics wrong.
Then, in 1994, at 45 years old, he shocked the world by defeating Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight title, making him the oldest heavyweight champion in history. Wearing the same trunks he had worn against Ali 20 years earlier, Foreman delivered one of the greatest comebacks in sports history.
Did George Foreman do business besides boxing?
Following his second retirement, Foreman found even greater success outside the ring. His most profitable venture was the George Foreman Grill, which sold over 100 million units worldwide. The business reportedly earned him over $200 million—far more than he ever made from boxing.
Despite his wealth and fame, he remained deeply committed to his faith and his role as a preacher. His book Fatherhood by George: Hard-Won Advice on Being a Dad, published in 2008, offered insights into parenting, emphasizing the importance of love, discipline, and involvement in children’s lives.
What does the death of George Foreman mean to the sports world?
George Foreman’s passing on March 21, 2025, marked the end of an era. He was more than just a boxing champion—he was a father, an entrepreneur, a preacher, and an inspiration to many.
His decision to name all his sons after himself was a reflection of his deep commitment to family. Whether through boxing, business, or fatherhood, Foreman lived by the belief that success is not just about personal achievements but about lifting others up. His legacy will endure, not only in sports history but in the values he instilled in his children and the millions he inspired worldwide.
