UJ
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Tributes have begun to surface for George Foreman, who sadly passed away on Friday at the age of 76.
These remembrances highlight the diverse legacy of a man who was both a formidable heavyweight boxing champion, an underdog who reclaimed a world title at age 45, and the renowned grill entrepreneur. He stood as one–third of boxing’s legendary “holy trinity” alongside Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
Tributes came from various domains, including the boxing community, former NBA players, musicians, and notable figures like Billie Jean King and former President Donald Trump, demonstrating Foreman’s widespread influence.
Trump referred to the two-time heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist as a “GREAT FIGHTER” on his Truth Social account on Saturday.
He went on to praise Foreman for having the “heaviest and biggest punch in the history of boxing,” asserting that besides Muhammad Ali, “when you got hit, you went down.”
Trump honored Foreman as a “great person with a larger-than-life personality,” extending his condolences to the family.
Foreman was a pivotal figure during a time when boxing had a significant impact on popular culture. An estimated one billion people tuned in for the “Rumble in the Jungle” heavyweight title bout against Ali in 1974.
Hall of Fame boxer Mike Tyson remarked that Foreman’s “contributions to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten” and shared two images of the pair together.
NBA legend Magic Johnson recalled attending many of Foreman’s championship fights as he honored one of his “boxing heroes” on social media platform X.
“He was a knockout artist inside the ring, and getting to know him as both a boxer and a person was a delight. After his boxing career, he became a remarkable businessman — I even purchased one of the first George Foreman grills!” Johnson remarked.
Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley expressed that the news left him “shook up right now” during an emotional tribute on CBS Sports during the men’s NCAA basketball tournament.
“Rest in peace, George Foreman. Your legacy continues on, champ,”Basketball Hall of Famer and six-time NBA champion Scottie Pippen shared on X, alongside a photograph of the boxer.
Twelve-time Grand Slam winner Billie Jean King paid her respects on social media, reflecting that Foreman “bet on me during the Battle of the Sexes and acted as my bodyguard when the crowd surged onto the court.”
“I’m saddened to learn of the passing of two-time heavyweight champion boxer, Olympic gold medalist, and entrepreneur George Foreman,” she expressed. “He was not only a great champion but also a good friend… Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in power.”
Chuck D, the frontman of Public Enemy, shared a portrait of Foreman on X, emphasizing that “George was one of my HEROES.”
