Moment George Foreman realized he was in trouble during brutal Muhammed Ali KO

Legendary boxer George Foreman has died aged 76 after his family shared the news on his social media, and fans will always remember him for his Rumble in the Jungle against fellow icon Muhammad Ali.

Mike Tyson instantly paid tribute to the combat sports Hall of Famer, after Foreman's family wrote: "Our hearts are broken. 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 honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own."

The Rumble in the Jungle, which took place 50 years ago today, was the most-watched sporting event of the 20th century. An estimated one billion people, a quarter of the world's population at the time, tuned in to watch.

Around 50 million viewers watched it live on pay-per-view closed circuit broadcasts in cinemas and theatres alone. The match was a huge upset. Foreman, the undisputed world heavyweight champion, was considered unbeatable after defeating Joe Frazier and Ken Norton, the only two fighters who had beaten Ali at that point.

At the age of 32, Ali had taken a roundabout route back to world title contention. Finally, he landed the golden shot - in the middle of the night in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). What transpired that night on the graveyard shift in the 20 May Stadium remains a reference point for boxing, an unforgettable moment in time for all those old enough to remember it.

Muhammad Ali knocks out George Foreman in the 'Rumble in the Jungle' (

Image:

The Ring Magazine/Getty Images)

It was October 30, 1974, and in the eighth round, Ali made a sudden and amazing comeback from his 'rope-a-dope' strategy and knocked out George Foreman. "Oh my God, he's won the title back at 32," BBC commentator Harry Carpenter screamed excitedly.

In the documentary 'When We Were Kings,' footage revealed a telling scene where, before facing Foreman's formidable power, Ali reprimanded his entourage in the tunnel. Ali sharply criticizes his retinue, saying: "Why are you all looking so damn scared? Like you're going to a funeral? I'm the one fighting.

"George Foreman... George Foreman... you've been believing all the stuff you've been reading about how hard he hits. George Foreman, the man who knocked out Joe Frazier... to hell with George Foreman! When you get out there, if you're afraid, just smile. Just act like you're happy. How am I gonna win the fight if I went out thinking like you? Damn George Foreman."

For six rounds, it seemed Ali's confidence was misplaced as he took a defensive stance, absorbing blows on the ropes and throwing few significant punches, hoping that Foreman's aggressive assault would tire itself out. However, as Foreman later reflected, the match shifted unexpectedly.

"I thought he was just one more knockout victim until, about the seventh round, I hit him hard to the jaw and he held me and whispered in my ear, 'That all you got, George?' I realized that this ain't what I thought it was," Foreman admitted. As the fight progressed, the heat and the energy Foreman expended on ineffective punches drained him, allowing Ali to seize the moment.

Ali then dismissed Foreman's weakening jab and unleashed a five-punch combination that ended with a left hook and a straight right, knocking Foreman down. Though Foreman struggled to his knee, attempting to clear his head, referee Zack Clayton counted him out.

Post-fight, Foreman alleged foul play, claiming his water had been spiked, that Ali's cornerman Angelo Dundee had tampered with the ropes to benefit Ali's rope-a-dope tactic, and that Clayton's count was unfairly quick. None of his claims were ever substantiated, with a review of the count actually determining that Foreman was down for closer to 12 seconds than 10.

About two decades ago, in a Channel 4 poll, the British public ranked the Rumble in the Jungle as No. 7 in the list of 100 Greatest Sporting Moments. You've got to be kidding. Barring the 1966 World Cup final, it was - and remains - undoubtedly No. 1 on any sensible list.