US President Donald Trump paid his tributes to boxing legend George Foreman, who passed away at the age of 76 on Friday.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump hailed Foreman as a “great fighter” and a “great person with a personality bigger than life.” The president also said he knew Foreman “well”.
“George Foreman is dead. What a GREAT FIGHTER!!! He had, without question, the heaviest and biggest punch in the history of boxing. With the exception of Ali, when you got hit, you went down,” Trump wrote. “He was something really Special, but above all, he was a Great Person, with a personality that was bigger than life. I knew him well, and he will be missed. Warmest condolences to his wonderful family!!!”
Foreman died on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Foreman was a two-time heavyweight champion. His family confirmed the news in an Instagram post saying, “With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr, who peacefully departed… We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers and kindly ask for privacy as we honour the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”
Born in Texas on January 10, 1949, Foreman rose to fame after winning an Olympic gold medal in 1968. He then went on to claim the heavyweight title in 1973 with a dominant victory over Joe Frazier. However, he is best remembered for his legendary 1974 bout against Muhammad Ali, famously known as the “Rumble in the Jungle,” where Ali’s tactical “rope-a-dope” strategy led to an eighth-round knockout victory.
After a surprise retirement in 1977, Foreman became an ordained minister but made an unlikely comeback in 1987. In 1994, at the age of 45, he defied expectations by knocking out Michael Moorer to reclaim the heavyweight title, becoming the oldest champion in boxing history.
Beyond boxing, Foreman found success as a businessman, becoming a global icon with his George Foreman Grill, which sold millions worldwide.
Foreman, who fought 81 times in his career and won 76 bouts—68 by knockout—finally retired in 1997.
