Remembering 2025’s Losses: George Foreman

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Along with the annual salute to the music greats (and unknowns) that passed away in the previous year, I’m also saluting the people from other walks of life. Some you know well; others you’ve never heard of. That’s the purpose of this: to make sure they get their final round of applause. Today’s featured person is definitely well known. George Foreman Did you know George Foreman made over $200 million from having his name on the George Foreman Grill? The most he ever made in a single boxing event was $5 million for the “rumble in the jungle” against Muhammad Ali in 1974. And I’d imagine that it didn’t hurt his body as much with the grills as it did getting punched in the ring! As a boxer, he was a titan. His record of 76-5 gave him twenty more victories than Muhammad Ali. In 1995, when he lost his title, he was the oldest heavyweight champion in history (at 46). After going through the troubles of a teenager, Foreman began to look to boxing as a remedy. In 1968 he won the Olympic Gold Medal in boxing (which he considered his greatest achievement). He turned pro and worked his way up to heavyweight champion. In 1977 he had a faith experience and began attending a Pentecostal church, where he led services and gave his name to a community and youth center to help Houston’s youngsters. Then in 1994, Foreman became the spokesman for the George Foreman Grill. (No, he had nothing to do with the design, conception, or invention.) The grills have gone through a number of companies over the years but are still available. Another famous thing about Foreman is he named all his sons “George.” He said it was to ensure that, no matter what happened in life, they always had a common bond. Foreman died peacefully in a Houston hospital in March 2025. He was a monster in the ring from the days when boxing was special. George Foreman Born George Edward Foreman, January 10, 1949, Marshall, Texas Died March 21, 2025, Houston, Texas (unknown cause) (age 76) HALLS OF FAME: International Boxing, 2003; Texas Sports, 1986 George Foreman and his grill: