Boxing icon George Foreman, a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist, has passed away at the age of 76, his family has confirmed.

Nicknamed "Big George," Foreman was one of the most dominant figures in boxing history. His career spanned multiple decades, beginning in the 1960s, and saw him claim numerous titles, including the world heavyweight championship twice.

Foreman first captured the heavyweight title in 1973 but lost it the following year in the legendary Rumble in the Jungle bout against Muhammad Ali. Despite that defeat, he left an extraordinary mark on the sport, recording 68 knockouts—nearly twice as many as Ali—and suffering only five losses throughout his career.

In a remarkable comeback, Foreman reclaimed the heavyweight title in 1994 at the age of 45, becoming the oldest champion in the division’s history. He finally hung up his gloves in 1997.

His family shared the news of his passing in an emotional statement on Instagram, saying:

"Our hearts are broken. A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose."

The tribute also highlighted his character beyond the ring:

"A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two-time heavyweight champion of the world, he was deeply respected—a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name—for his family."

Beyond his legendary boxing career, Foreman became a household name in business, particularly with the George Foreman Grill, which debuted in 1994 and has since sold millions worldwide.

A dedicated family man, Foreman had twelve children, five of whom he named George. Explaining his choice, he once wrote on his website:

"I say to them, 'If one of us goes up, then we all go up together. And if one goes down, we all go down together!'"

Foreman’s legacy extends far beyond boxing—he was a preacher, entrepreneur, and role model whose influence will continue to be felt for generations.