Family, friends, and fans are set to gather in Houston on Monday to celebrate the life of legendary boxer, minister, and entrepreneur George Foreman. A memorial service will be held at the Wortham Theater Center, one of the city’s premier performing arts venues.
Speakers expected to pay tribute include Foreman’s son, George Foreman IV, Houston Mayor John Whitmire, and former heavyweight champion Michael Moorer — whom Foreman famously defeated in 1994 to become, at age 45, the oldest man to win a heavyweight title.
Mayor Whitmire emphasized Foreman’s lasting impact on the city, stating, “We’re going to celebrate the life of George Foreman, two-time heavyweight champion of the world and certainly the face of how great Houston is.”
Foreman passed away on March 21 at the age of 76. His family has shared that he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, but has not released a cause of death.
Born in Marshall, Texas, Foreman grew up in Houston’s historic Fifth Ward, a predominantly Black neighborhood. He rose to prominence after winning an Olympic gold medal in 1968 and turned professional the following year.
In 1973, Foreman claimed the world heavyweight title by defeating Joe Frazier. A year later, he lost the title in the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle” match against Muhammad Ali in Zaire.
Following that loss, Foreman stepped away from the ring and experienced a spiritual awakening. In 1978, he became an ordained minister and began preaching in Houston. He later founded The Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in 1980, continuing his work as a pastor alongside his other ventures.
After a decade-long break, Foreman made a remarkable return to boxing. In 1994, he shocked the world by knocking out Michael Moorer — who was nearly 20 years younger — to win two heavyweight belts. He retired from boxing in 1997 with a professional record of 76 wins and just 5 losses.
Outside the ring, Foreman found success as a businessman and television personality. He became a household name through the George Foreman Grill, a popular kitchen appliance that sold over 100 million units and brought him more financial success than his boxing career.
In 2023, a biographical film based on his life introduced his story to a new generation.
Foreman was also a dedicated father of 12 children, including five sons — all named George Edward Foreman — a decision he said was meant to ensure they’d all share in his legacy.
The memorial service aims to honor not only Foreman’s achievements in sports, faith, and business, but also his enduring influence on the community that shaped him.