George Foreman dead: Mike Tyson leads emotional tributes to former world heavyweight champ

Boxing legend Mike Tyson has paid tribute to George Foreman after the two-time heavyweight champion's death.

Big George, 76, passed away surrounded by loved ones at his home in Texas on Friday. Tyson took to X, which was known as Twitter, to pay his respects to the fellow boxer, who fought Muhammad Ali in the "Rumble In The Jungle" in 1974. Sharing two photographs of he and Foreman together, Tyson, 58, wrote: "Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten."

His message was posted shortly after the poignant post Foreman's family left on his Instagram to confirm the tragic news. In it, the relatives described Big George, who retired from professional boxing in 1997, as a man "marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose".

Foreman was a two-time world heavyweight champion and won an Olympic gold medal in Mexico City in 1968. He is one of the great second acts in sports after reclaiming the heavyweight crown after coming out of his first retirement.

And president of the World Boxing Council, Mauricio Sulaiman, posted to X on Friday: "Receiving sad news is a moment that sticks to your memory for life The great George Foreman has passed away Legendary boxing champion, life changing preacher, husband, father, grand and great grandfather and the best friend you could have. His memory is now eternal, may Big George rest in peace."

NBA basketball legend Scottie Pippen posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday: "Rest in peace, George Foreman. Your legacy lives on, champ."

Big George, who was born in Texas in 1949, is also famous for his work outside of the ring thanks to the George Foreman Grill, which has sold more than 100 million units since its launch in 1994.

NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson referenced this work in his own tribute. Johnson, a fellow entrepreneur, posted: "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 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! Cookie and I will be praying for his family during this time." Golden-Globe-winning actor William Shatner tweeted: "Condolences to the family of George Foreman."

A biopic on his life called 'Big George Foreman' was released in 2023. Foreman, who was married four times in the 1970s and 1980s, leaves behind 12 children. His five sons are all called George.

George lived for decades with his fifth wife Mary Joan Martelly, who has been deeply involved in philanthropic endeavors, particularly focusing on AIDS awareness as well as promoting education for children. The public got a rare look at their family life in the 2008 TV Land series Family Foreman, which highlighted the heavyweight champ’s career and role as a father.