SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Boxing legend George Foreman has been laid to rest in an Iowa cemetery, far from his Texas roots, after a single visit to the area nearly four decades ago left a lasting impression on the champion.
The former heavyweight titleholder passed away on March 21, 2025, at 76 years old in Houston. A month following his death, he was interred at Logan Park Cemetery in Sioux City, Iowa, according to city representatives. On Thursday, Foreman’s relatives gathered at the gravesite alongside Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott for a press conference, unveiling the burial location marked by an impressive monument featuring his image as a young Olympic gold medalist.
According to a statement from city officials, Foreman’s family shared that he had traveled to the Iowa community in 1988 and frequently remembered the tranquility he felt during that stay.
When the family arrived on April 17 of last year to inter Foreman, they said they quickly grasped why the area had such an impact on him.
“Our father lived a life of purpose, faith and gratitude,” the family said in a statement released by Sioux City officials. “To see him laid to rest in a place that brought him peace means everything to us.”
Scott stood with family members beside Foreman’s memorial, located several miles north of the Missouri River in the upper Midwest community of approximately 87,000 residents. The burial ground provides views of the striking Loess Hills, formed by wind-carried sediment deposits rising as high as 200 feet and extending along the Iowa riverfront for 200 miles.
“Their story is a reminder of how one place can stay with someone for a lifetime,” Scott said.
Born in Texas, Foreman gained national attention after earning a spot on the 1968 U.S. Olympic boxing squad and capturing gold in Mexico City. He claimed the world heavyweight title in 1973 by beating Joe Frazier, but lost the belt the following year to Muhammad Ali in the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle.”
Two decades later in 1994, Foreman made history by becoming the oldest heavyweight champion at age 45, stunning Michael Moorer in a remarkable comeback victory.
Foreman hung up his gloves in 1997 with a professional record of 76 wins and 5 losses.
Following his boxing career, he transitioned into business ventures, endorsements and occasional acting roles, gaining recognition among younger audiences through the George Foreman Grill. The compact cooking device generated sales exceeding 100 million units and earned him greater financial success than his fighting career.
A film chronicling Foreman’s life story premiered in 2023.
