George Foreman’s life in pictures


Sofia Ferreira Santos

BBC News

Bettmann via Getty Images George Foreman punching Muhammad Ali in their famous Rumble in the Jungle fight in 1974Bettmann via Getty Images

George Foreman, the boxing heavyweight legend, has died aged 76, his family said.

Known as Big George in the ring, the American competed for decades starting in the 1960s, winning gold at the Olympics and numerous title belts, including the world heavyweight title twice.

Bettmann via Getty Images Foreman wearing a top with the word 'USA' on the front, waving a US flagBettmann via Getty Images

In his autobiography, he said he was waving the flag “as much for myself as for the country”.

“I was letting everyone know who I was and at the same time saying that I was proud to be an American.”

Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images Joe Frazier, George Foreman boxing at Jamaica National Stadium, January 22, 1973Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
Bettmann via Getty Images Foreman smiling and wearing his heavyweight champion beltBettmann via Getty Images
Bettmann via Getty Images Foreman on the ground with Ali and the referee standing to his leftBettmann via Getty Images

He once called the loss the “most embarrassing moment” of his life.

“I just couldn’t believe I’d lost the world title”, he said, adding: “It went from pride to pity. That’s devastating.

His opponent, Foreman said, was “the toughest human being I ever had an encounter with”.

Michael Brennan/Getty Images Foreman holding a Holy BibleMichael Brennan/Getty Images

He told the BBC his defeat to Ali became the “best thing that ever happened to me” as it ultimately led him to “get my message out” through preaching.

Carlos Schiebeck/AFP via Getty Images Foreman sat inside the ringCarlos Schiebeck/AFP via Getty Images
Cathrin Mueller/Bongarts/Getty Images Foreman holding one of his grills and smilingCathrin Mueller/Bongarts/Getty Images
Michael Brennan/Getty Images Foreman holding his baby son George IIIMichael Brennan/Getty Images