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George Edward Foreman Sr., the Olympic gold medalist who became heavyweight boxing champion twice in careers separated by decades, has died at 76, his family announced Friday.
His family announced his death in an Instagram post, describing him as "a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather" who "lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose."
Foreman's journey took him from the streets of Houston to Olympic glory, from the heights of boxing fame to the pulpit as an ordained minister, and finally to unprecedented success as a businessman whose name became synonymous with the wildly popular George Foreman Grill.
His amateur career culminated at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where he won the gold medal in the heavyweight division.
Foreman turned professional in 1969 and captured the heavyweight championship in January 1973 by destroying previously undefeated Joe Frazier in Kingston, Jamaica, knocking him down six times in two rounds.