R.I.P. CHAMP
Ex-boxer George Foreman dies at the age of 76
ICONS: Muhammad Ali and George Foreman ICONS: Muhammad Ali and George Foreman
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BY ROB WOOLLARD
BOXING paid tribute to one of its greats in former heavyweight champion George Foreman who died on Friday aged 76.
Foreman lost to Muhammad Ali in boxing’s iconic 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” before reclaiming the title two decades later.
Fondly known as Big George, Foreman dropped out of school and went on to become an Olympic gold medallist, two-time world champion and legend of boxing.
He fought 81 times as a professional, winning 76, 68 of those by knockout.
A SAD LOSS: George Foreman A SAD LOSS: George Foreman
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As well as boxing he put his name to the “George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine,” appearing smiling and friendly in the TV ads, becoming a celebrity outside the sport.
Foreman’s family said in a statement on Instagram: “With profound sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr, who peacefully departed on 21 March surrounded by loved ones.
“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.”
PAID TRIBUTE: Mike Tyson PAID TRIBUTE: Mike Tyson
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Fellow former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson posted on X: “His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
Legendary boxing promoter Bob Arum saluted Foreman as “one of the biggest punchers and personalities the sport has ever seen.”
US President Donald Trump paid tribute to a “great fighter” whom he “knew well.”
Trump posted on his platform Truth Social: “He was something really Special, but above all, he was a Great Person.”
Boxing promoter Don King said on Instagram: “George was an inspiration, my brother, a man who was innovative and imaginative. He demonstrated what you could do with yourself even though you might be born poor, under privileged, downtrodden and denied. He proved what you can do when think ‘yes I can’ when the world tells you ‘no you can’t.’”
Michael Buffer, boxing ring announcer, said: “I’m totally heartbroken with news of my dear friend of more than 35 years George Foreman passing away. I’m finding it difficult to deal with. I’ll collect my thoughts and have more to say soon about a man that I [and so many others] loved and respected.”