Mike Tyson leads tributes as former heavyweight champion George Foreman dies

Heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman has died.

The 76-year-old former champion died peacefully in his sleep on Friday surrounded by his family.

"Our hearts are broken," a post from the Foreman family read on social media.

"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.

"A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.

"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.

"We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honour the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own."

Foreman won an Olympic gold medal in 1968 before winning his first heavyweight title when he stopped Joe Frazier in 1973.

He lost the belt a year later to Muhammad Ali in a bout dubbed the Rumble In the Jungle, which was held in the African nation then known as Zaire.

It went down in history as the greatest fight of the 20th century and characterised an iconic three-way rivalry between Foreman, Ali and Frazier.

Promoter Frank Warren joined talkSPORT to reflect on how Foreman and Ali became close friends later in life.

Warren said: "George Foreman, he is one of the iconic names of heavyweight boxing, of all boxing. Phenomenal puncher, done it at every level.

“I remember on one occasion, he came over and we hosted him, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. And there was no secret that Joe Frazer did not like being in the company of Muhammad Ali. Foreman was the gel and the glue that held them together.

“He was really fussing over Muhammad, who at that stage was suffering the onset of Parkinson's.

“And you could see him, there was genuine love and affection for him, the way he was looking after him, in every way he could.

“He was just a great man, a great man and a great fighter.

"He's taken part in not just great boxing matches, but also iconic moments of world sport in the 20th century.”

Ex-cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson echoed those thoughts, telling talkSPORT: "He was just powerful, he was dangerous, he was ferocious.

"The 'Mike Tyson' at the time was Joe Frazier and he absolutely blitzed him. He just got the results.

"And that's why he goes down in the history when you talk about our sport."

In a second coming, Foreman became the oldest heavyweight champion ever in 1994 when, at the age of 45, beat Michael Moorer with a stunning knockout.

Others from the boxing world paid tribute to the former champion, with Mike Tyson posting: "Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten."

Tyson, known for his ferociousness, admitted no one could hold a candle to the power in Big George's fists.

Jake Paul added: "Rest in Peace George Foreman and condolences to his entire family. He did great things inside and outside of the ring. Big George Forever Goated."

NBA legend Magic Johnson wrote: "I was really sad to hear the news that one of my boxing heroes, George Foreman, passed away.

"I attended so many of George's championship fights over his career. He was a knockout artist in the ring, and it was a pleasure getting to know him not only as a boxer but as a man.

"After leaving the ring, he turned into an amazing businessman - I even bought one of the first George Foreman grills! [My wife] Cookie and I will be praying for his family during this time."

Top Rank chief Bob Arum said: "George was a great friend to not only myself but my entire family. We've lost a family member and are absolutely devastated."

Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of the great Muhammad Ali and a fighter himself, posted: "Rest in peace to one of the last remaining giants.. Sending much love and prayers to the Foreman family. May God grant him peace and paradise."

Foreman retired from the sport in 1997 with a record of 76 wins and just five losses. Incredibly, 68 of his victories came via knockout.

Foreman found huge success in the business world after his retirement, through the George Foreman Grill.

In a 2014 interview when asked if it is true he made more than $200m from the grill he replied: "Much more.

"There were months I was being paid $8m per month."