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George Edward Foreman Sr. the late two-time heavyweight champion of the world, Olympian and humanitarian, has received a standing ovation from Boxing South Africa.
Foreman Sr, peacefully departed on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, the family announced.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own, “Foreman’s family said in a statement posted on the boxer’s official Instagram page.
Big George, as he was known to boxing fans worldwide, first rose to prominence at the Olympic Games Mexico City 1968.
An unknown name in the ring at the time, he quickly rose to fame for his powerful pouches and dominant style, capturing the heavyweight gold medal in sensational fashion, olympics.com reported.
According to The Guardian, Foreman defended the belt twice more before meeting Muhammed Ali in Kinshasa, Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in one of the most celebrated boxing matches in history.
Ali had been stripped of his crown seven years prior for refusing to be drafted into the Vietnam war and came into the match a heavy underdog against the bigger, younger champion.
Boxing legend’s clubbing blows
But for seven rounds, Ali lay against the ropes and fended off Foreman’s clubbing blows, tiring and knocking him out in the eighth round.
Boxing South Africa Chairperson, Ayanda Khumalo thanked Foreman for the contributions and for being a “symbol of resilience and inspiration for many aspiring athletes all over the world.”
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She said Foreman’s legacy among many, would be his legendary contribution to the sport of boxing and the indelible mark he’s left in the entire sport at large.
“We thank you family for sharing you with us all these years. As they say, ‘Legends never die! Memories of the virtues and impactful life continue to live forever in our hearts,” added Khumalo.
