‘My heart breaks’: Mike Tyson leads tributes to boxer George Foreman as Rumble in the Jungle icon dies age 76
GEORGE FOREMAN’S incredible career, life and legacy has been celebrated by boxing.
The 76-year-old heavyweight icon died on Friday, his proud family announced.
The Punching Preacher leaves behind an Olympic gold medal, two world title reigns, perhaps the most incredible comeback in sporting history, and a multi-million pound grill empire that will have secured his proud family for generations.
Mike Tyson led the tributes, writing: “Condolences to George Foreman’s family.
“His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
Team GB super-heavy 2000 gold winner Audley Harrison added: “RIP to one of the greatest to ever do it.
“My heart breaks for George Foreman’s family and those closest to him, my condolences.
“May his memory forever be a blessing.”
Foreman began his devastating KO career as a sullen and menacing monster who battered 40 big men – including Joe Frazier and Ken Norton.
But the 1974 Rumble in the Jungle loss to Muhammad Ali, where he succumbed to rope-a-dope tactics and exhaustion, humbled him.
Following a year hiatus and impressive rebuild, the 1977 decision loss to Jimmy Young seemed to end Foreman’s career.
And the once-violent mercenary turned into a gentle giant and a devout man of God.
But a decade later – aged 38 and with father time having swapped his six-pack and afro for a cuddly belly and smooth skull – Foreman returned to the ring to raise money for a youth centre.
Initially his age and new figure had him labelled a laughing stock.
But evergreen in-ring genius, a granite chin and that eternal power carried him to another 24 wins.
Although the 1991 loss to Evander Holyfield, when he was 42, was long and one-sided and punishing, Foreman beamed behind sunglasses that he had proven a magnificent point to the world by going the distance with one of the best around at the time.
The 1993 defeat to Tommy Morrison finally looked like the unavoidable end of the road for the 44-year-old.
But he was handed a world title shot against 26-year-old undefeated world champ Michael Moorer next, in what was supposed to be an easy first defence for the southpaw.
For nine rounds, 45-year-old Foreman was outboxed and made to look every inch of the ancient 18st relic he was perceived by most as.
But in the tenth session he finally caught up with his prime opponent – who was 19 years his junior – and knocked him out with a sensational combination.
I'm the last British reporter alive who was at Rumble in the Jungle... it was the most bizarre 10 days of my life
OCTOBER 30th 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the Rumble in the Jungle, when Muhammad Ali confirmed his immortality by knocking out George Foreman to regain the world heavyweight championship, writes Colin Hart.
That fabulous, mind-blowing fight that took place before an African dawn broke over Kinshasa has been described as the greatest sporting event of the 20th Century.
Sadly, I’m the only British journalist who was at ringside that night who is still alive to tell the tale – of the most bizarre ten days of my working life.
The first bell in Zaire sounded at 4am and the two men were each paid $5million – with president Mobutu Sese Seko putting up the money.
Mobutu was probably the most terrifying, murderous dictator who ever ruled a nation on the African continent — and with Uganda’s Idi Amin as a rival, that is saying something.
The Zairians were scared to death of him, with good reason – as the 20th of May Stadium’s walls pock-marked with holes from firing squads executing dissidents.
He even threatened to shoot telex operators who were caught sleeping when journalists wanted to send their stories to editors back home.
And that’s before the fight even started, with its throbbing tribal drums, 60,000 frenzied fans… and the debut of Ali’s iconic rope-a-dope.
Read Fleet Street boxing legend COLIN HART’S full look back at the Rumble in the Jungle…
Foreman said that miracle win laid to rest his ghosts of the Rumble in the Jungle.
And the rest of the world – to this day – saw the incredible achievement, the transformation, as one of the greatest comeback tales in all of sport.
Foreman’s family posted a beautiful tribute to the bonafide legend of boxing, saying: “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.
“George touched countless lives with his warmth, humor, and wisdom leaving an indelible mark on the world.
“We find solace in knowing he is now at peace with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whom he so passionately shared with the world.”
“His legacy of love, faith, and strength will live on through his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and everyone who knew him.”
Tributes have continued to flood in from fans and major names from the boxing world.
Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh said: “Sad news for me and the boxing world… The last boxing pillar for an unforgettable era has passed away today… May his soul rest in peace, Big George Foreman!”
Tony Bellew said: “RIP to one of the greatest human beings to ever put on boxing gloves.. This man was truly amazing!
“There is no doubt imo he’s the greatest puncher boxing has ever seen.. Rest easy king the world is a lesser place without you..”
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said: “George was a great friend to not only myself but to my entire family.
“We’ve lost a family member and are absolutely devastated”.