“How could this happen?” - When George Foreman rued losing his title to Muhammad Ali

Legendary heavyweight boxer George Foreman tragically passed away on March 21, 2025. While the cause of death remains unknown as of this report, Foreman was known to be suffering from various physical ailments in his later years. His family released a statement after his death, commemorating a brilliant athlete.

“With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr, who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.”

The statement continued, speaking highly of a man who touched the lives of many,

“He lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose. 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. We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”

In a career marked by so many milestones and achievements, Foreman did have one regret; losing to Muhammad Ali in the iconic 'The Rumble in the Jungle' in Kinshasa, Zaire on October 30, 1974. Despite eventually winning the title back, this remained the one blemish on his storied career from his perspective, one he was never able to reverse.

In a 2019 interview with Vogue Man Arabia, Foreman said,

“For years afterwards I would agonize, ‘How could this happen?’... That night I lost everything I ever was. It was the most devastating event in my life as an athlete. I was not even a man no more.”

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Foreman v Ali - Rumble in the Jungle

The Rumble in the Jungle is universally regarded as one of the most memorable fights in the history of boxing. It featured then Heavyweight Champion George Foreman who was putting his world title on the line to face Muhammad Ali.

At the time Foreman was the most feared boxer in the world and Ali would enter the fight as a 4-1 betting underdog.

Come fight night, both pugilists arrived ready and willing to leave it all in the ring and see who came out on top. Ali started the fight with his usual panache but soon began to circle back to the ropes and protect himself as well as he could, letting Foreman swing away with his signature heavy punching style.

Eventually, Ali was able to use this rope-a-dope method to his advantage, initially sustaining a flurry of punches before eventually being able to pick apart a visibly exhausted Foreman. The fight was called in the 8th round as a K.O. victory for Ali, a result that bothered Foreman until the day he passed.

Interestingly enough, the two became friends later in life despite the intense animosity they shared as younger men. In a 2012 interview with The Daily Telegraph, Foreman even went on to say,

"We fought in 1974, that was a long time ago. After 1981, we became the best of friends. By 1984, we loved each other. I am not closer to anyone else in this life than I am to Muhammad Ali."