George Foreman, the legendary heavyweight boxing champion and famed grill entrepreneur, has tragically passed away at the age of 76. His family confirmed the news via social media, stating he died on Friday night in a Houston hospital, although the cause of death has not been disclosed as of yet.

Foreman is best remembered for his unprecedented comeback at the age of 45, where he astonished the sports world by reclaiming the heavyweight title against the undefeated Michael Moorer in 1994. His journey in boxing was marked by resilience and determination, with a career that spanned over three decades. From fighting Chuck Wepner in the 1960s to colliding with boxing greats like Evander Holyfield in the 1990s, Foreman's legacy is a testament to his extraordinary talent and hard work.

Born George Edward Foreman on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, he had a tumultuous childhood. He grew up in a challenging environment, with a father who worked in railroad construction and a mother who had to navigate the complexities of their family dynamic, especially after Foreman learned about his biological father later in life. Early on, Foreman faced difficulties, such as dropping out of school and falling into delinquency. It wasn’t until he joined the Job Corps at 16 and discovered boxing at 17 that his life took a dramatic turn.

Foreman's rise to fame began in the amateur ranks, culminating in him winning a gold medal in boxing at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. His triumph came at a time when social tensions were high, and his display of patriotism, waving an American flag, made headlines.

As a professional boxer, his meteoric rise was marked by an impressive undefeated streak of 37-0, capped by a historic victory over Joe Frazier in 1973, which cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with in the ring. That fight was famous not only for Foreman's dominance—during which he knocked Frazier down six times—but also for the iconic commentary from Howard Cosell.

Despite losing to Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle” in 1974, Foreman reinvented himself years later after a turn towards religion and community service, becoming a nondenominational Christian minister. However, despite his commitment to ministry, the lure of the boxing ring proved irresistible.

Foreman's comeback was nothing short of miraculous. His determination led him to reclaim the heavyweight championship at an age when most athletes retire. The 1994 bout against Moorer, where he knocked the younger fighter out in the 10th round while trailing on the scorecards, solidified his place in history as the oldest heavyweight champion. Following this monumental win, he famously stated, “Anything you desire, you can make happen.”

Throughout his life, Foreman showcased his business acumen, with his most successful venture being the George Foreman Grill, a product that became wildly popular in the late 1990s. He earned an astonishing $137.5 million from this deal, significantly contributing to his wealth and making him a household name beyond sports.

Beyond boxing and business, Foreman also dabbled in television, starring in his sitcom "George" and making appearances on various reality shows, including a memorable stint on "The Masked Singer."

Foreman leaves behind a vast legacy as one of the top ten heavyweight fighters of all time, with a professional record of 76 wins and 5 losses. He was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003. He is survived by his wife Mary Joan Martelly, six daughters, five sons, and the memory of a daughter, Freeda, who passed away in 2019.

As the world mourns the loss of George Foreman, his influence transcends boxing, inspiring future generations with his unparalleled comeback story, business success, and warm personality. His legacy will forever remain in the hearts of sports fans and the countless lives he touched throughout his extraordinary journey.