A heavy cloud of sorrow has descended upon the boxing world as fans mourn the loss of a true legend. George Foreman, the former heavyweight champion, is no longer with us. Alongside Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, Foreman formed a triumvirate that defined the 1970s boxing—a legendary era, often regarded as the golden age of heavyweight boxing.

In a heart-wrenching announcement, the Foreman family shared the devastating news of ‘Big George’s’ passing. While fans are heartbroken, one can only imagine the grief felt by those closest to him. From Mike Tyson to Jake Paul, some of boxing’s most prominent names joined the global outpouring of tributes honoring Foreman’s remarkable legacy.

George Foreman – A timeless legend who transcended eras

Poignantly, the boxing world will mark the 51st anniversary of his fortieth bout in just four days. The night he knocked out Ken Norton in the second round before facing Ali in the legendary ‘Rumble in the Jungle.’ Moments like Howard Cosell‘s immortal lines ‘Down Goes Frazier!‘ or Jim Lampley‘s emotional ‘It Happened!‘ when Foreman reclaimed the heavyweight title at age 45 will continue to echo across the sport. His career stood as a lasting reminder that hope and perseverance always matter.

“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,” read the heartfelt message posted by his family on his official Instagram account. “A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose,” the statement continued.

An Olympic gold medalist like Ali and Frazier, ‘Big George’ Foreman, who once sparred with the legendary Sonny Liston, turned professional in 1969. His epic journey reached its peak at Kingston, Jamaica’s National Stadium, where he delivered a dominant performance. The second-round rout of ‘Smokin’ Joe’ Frazier, punctuated by Howard Cosell’s iconic call, “Down goes Frazier!” and the unforgettable image of Angelo Dundee urging the fight to be stopped, remains etched in the memories of boxing fans.

Let’s take a look at how Mike Tyson, Jake Paul, and other major figures reacted to the passing of this boxing icon.

You will always be remembered

‘Iron’ Mike, whose ferocious style often reminded fans of Foreman’s prime, expressed his sorrow and gratitude while extending condolences to the Foreman family. “Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.” He also shared some heartfelt photos of him and Foreman together.

Jake Paul and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) joined the mourners as well. “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,” said ‘The Problem Child.’ However, it wasn’t just the boxing community that felt the void left by Foreman’s passing.

Deeply saddened by the news, basketball greats Ervin ‘Magic’ Johnson and Charles Barkley offered their support to Foreman’s family. For Barkley, it was emotionally overwhelming. Just last week, the basketball world lost two other legends, Ulysses Lee ‘Junior’ Bridgeman Jr. and Oliver J. Miller.

“It’s been a rough, I ain’t gonna lie, between Junior Bridgman, Oliver Miller, it’s been a rough week, and now Mr. Foreman, when that thing came out, it hurts a lot, because he was obviously one of the greatest boxers ever, but just a gentleman, was a pastor, and it just hurts, man,” Barkley lamented.

‘Magic’ Johnson, too, mourned the loss of a lifelong hero. “I was really sad to hear the news that one of my boxing heroes, George Foreman, passing away. I attended so many of George’s championship fights over his career,” he confessed. Recalling how the ‘George Foreman Grill’ became a global phenomenon, Johnson reflected on Foreman’s immense success beyond boxing.

Emphasizing Foreman’s larger-than-life presence, boxing promoter Lou DiBella shared his thoughts. “Everything about him was big … big punch, big heart, big faith, big comeback, big family, big success, big life,” he tweeted. To DiBella and perhaps many other, the world has fewer and fewer true giants of good and positivity. With Foreman’s passing, that number has dwindled further.

Inside and outside the ring, George Foreman led a remarkable life. After his legendary bout with Muhammad Ali, his career took a new turn. In the following year, he fought Ron Lyle and had a rematch with Joe Frazier. But his defeat against Jimmy Young led him to step away from the sport and embark on a deep spiritual journey.

However, a decade later, Foreman made an astonishing comeback. He faced much younger opponents like Evander Holyfield and Tommy Morrison. Then, defying all odds, ‘Big George’ delivered a historic victory over Michael Moorer on November 5, 1994. A world heavyweight champion at 45. It’s a feat that remains nearly impossible to replicate, even today.

Rest in peace, Sir. Your legacy will live on forever.

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