Houston, TX – George Foreman, the two-time heavyweight boxing champion and Olympic gold medalist born and raised in Houston's Fifth Ward, passed away on Friday, at the age of 76. The Foreman family shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram. The cause of death was not immediately known. Foreman was not only a boxing legend but also a successful entrepreneur and an ordained minister deeply connected to his hometown. His life story, rooted in Houston, is one of resilience, achievement, and community impact.
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COPYRIGHT 2025 HOUSTON CITY BEAT - George Foreman was a two-time Heavyweight Boxing Champion
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COPYRIGHT 2025 HOUSTON CITY BEAT - George Foreman, Gold Medal Winner at the 1968 Olympics
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COPYRIGHT 2025 HOUSTON CITY BEAT - George Foreman poses with his famous grill
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COPYRIGHT 2025 HOUSTON CITY BEAT - George Foreman (right) with Joe Frazier in 1973
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COPYRIGHT 2025 HOUSTON CITY BEAT - George Foreman (red trunks) with Muhammad Ali in 1974
Upbringing in Houston’s Fifth Ward
Foreman’s journey began in Houston’s Fifth Ward, a tough neighborhood known for its challenges. Raised in poverty, he got into petty crime as a teenager but turned his life around through the Job Corps program, where he discovered boxing. This pivotal moment in Houston set him on a path to greatness. Reflecting on his youth, Foreman once told USA TODAY in 2023, "I grew up in the Fifth Ward of Houston — the Bloody Fifth, we called it. Every weekend someone got killed." His early struggles in Houston shaped the determination that would define his career.
Boxing Career and Houston Roots
Foreman’s boxing legacy started in Houston, where he honed his skills before rising to global fame. He won a gold medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, proudly waving an American flag to honor his roots. His career peaked with iconic fights, including defeating Joe Frazier in 1973 to claim the heavyweight title and the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” against Muhammad Ali in 1974. After retiring in 1977, Foreman staged a stunning comeback at age 45, reclaiming the heavyweight crown in 1994 by knocking out Michael Moorer, making him the oldest champion in history. Throughout his career, he remained a Houston icon, often returning to support local causes and inspire young athletes.
Business Ventures: The George Foreman Grill
Beyond the ring, Foreman became a household name through his business ventures, most notably the George Foreman Grill. Launched in the 1990s, the grill sold over 100 million units worldwide, blending his boxing fame with entrepreneurial success. This venture brought him wealth and reinforced his ties to Houston. Foreman invested his earnings into the George Foreman Youth and Community Center in Houston, a facility dedicated to helping kids find direction, much like he did through boxing. The grill’s popularity in Houston homes underscored his influence as a local entrepreneur promoting healthier lifestyles.
Church Ties and Faith in Houston
Faith was central to Foreman’s life after a near-death experience in 1977 led him to become an ordained minister. He founded the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston, where he preached regularly and built a community hub. His ministry reflected his commitment to giving back to the city that raised him. Foreman once said, "I’m a spokesman for the George Foreman Grill. And I’m a minister full time at the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Houston." His church work complemented his youth outreach, cementing his role as a spiritual and civic leader in Houston.
A Lasting Legacy in Houston
Houston Mayor John Whitmire mourned Foreman’s passing, stating, “George Foreman was more than a boxing champion; he was a pillar of our community. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.” From the Fifth Ward to the world stage, Foreman’s life embodied perseverance, faith, and service. His contributions to Houston—through boxing, business, and ministry—leave an indelible mark.
George Foreman’s story is Houston’s story: one of overcoming odds and uplifting others. His death closes a remarkable chapter, but his legacy will endure in the city he always called home.
