Boxer and entrepreneur George Foreman has died aged 76.

The American, who is known as Big George in the ring, had one of the most epic and long-lasting careers in the sport. He won gold in the 1968 Olympics and won the world heavyweight title twice, 21 years apart, the second time making him the oldest champion in history at 45.

Muhammad Ali defeated him in their well-known Rumble in the Jungle bout in 1974, and he lost his first title. However, he nearly doubled Ali’s record with an incredible 76 victories, including 68 knockouts.

Prior to his 1997 retirement, Foreman consented to sign his name to a best-selling grill, a move that would net him wealth far exceeding his fighting earnings.

In 1999, the company paid Mr. Foreman and his partners $137.5 million to put his name on the grill and other goods.

“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,” the family said, describing Mr. Foreman in a post on Instagram.

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