Anthony Joshua leads tributes to George Foreman after heavyweight legend’s demise at 76 – as Eddie Hearn honours ‘the good’ boxing icon
Anthony Joshua led the tributes for boxing legend George Foreman after his death at the age of 76.
The family of the former two-time world heavyweight champion confirmed the tragic news on his Instagram page on Saturday morning.
Their statement read: ‘Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announced the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman St. who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.
‘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.’
Foreman was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame due to his highly successful achievements in the discipline, including a world heavyweight title on two occasions and an Olympic gold in 1968.
Immediately after the news broke, tributes began to flood with Joshua – who was praised by the American icon several times – leading the way.
Legendary boxer George Foreman has died at the age of 76, his family announced on Instagram
Several boxing legends and promoters have paid tribute to the former two-time heavyweight champion
Anthony Joshua has led the tributes for Foreman with a repost of his family’s Instagram post
Reposting Foreman’s family’s tragic post, the former unified WBO, IBF and WBA heavyweight champion wrote: ‘RIP Champ’.
Meanwhile, British boxing giant and promoter Eddie Hearn’s tribute read: ‘Rest in peace the great George Foreman,’ accompanied by their picture alongside Michael Buffer.
Myke Tyson, who publicly expressed immense admiration and respect for George Foreman – by previously calling him the ‘heaviest puncher’ – has also shared a message.
‘Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten,’ he said.
Hall of Fame boxing promoter Frank Warren added: ‘Boxing has lost one of its true legends, George Foreman.
‘A gentleman who I had the honour of promoting his only UK fight in 1990. I have fond memories of introducing George to two of my sons, Francis and George, in this photo.
‘I send my condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace George.’
Former British professional boxer Johnny Nelson – with 59 bouts in his career – appeared on Sky Sports to pay tribute to the legendary heavyweight.
Eddie Hearn has honoured the former Olympics gold medallist with ‘the great George Foreman’ caption
Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren revealed he worked with the boxing icon back in 1990
‘George Foreman is part on boxing history, no matter what you think of him,’ he said.
‘This young man, he’d been boxing for two years and then he won Olympic gold medal. This is how good he was. He was strong as an ox.
‘People tought this guy’s just big, he’s a big lump, they didn’t respect him because he didn’t have the pedigree, but still he was so strong naturally.’
President of the WBC Mauricio Sulaiman, with whom Foreman had a close and respectful relationship, posted some heartbreaking words outlining the former champion’s role in boxing and influence he had on people.
‘Receiving sad news is a moment that sticks to your memory for life,’ he wrote on X (formerly Twitter). ‘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.’
He later added several pictures with a green WBC belt which Mauricio’s father prepared years before he presented it to Foreman.
He accompanied the post with: ‘I was honored to present the green belt which my father Jose Sulaiman had ready and was in a drawer for more than 30 years’
Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh paid tribute and shared a picture of Foreman with his boxing rivals Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier
President of the WBC Mauricio Sulaiman, with whom Foreman had a close relationship, said he. was ‘the best friend you could have’
Mike Tyson added that Foreman’s ‘contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten’
In 1974, a 25-year-old Foreman face boxing legend Muhammad Ali in his third WBC title defence
Furthemore, current boxing supremo and Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh also emerged on social media to pay respect to Foreman.
He has been the driving force of the biggest boxing events of the past years, such as two bouts between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Futy as well as clashes between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev.
‘Sad news for me and the boxing world,’ wrote Turki Alalshikh in a post on X.
‘The last boxing pillar for an unforgettable era has passed away today… May his soul rest in peace, Big George Foreman,’ he added alogside a picture of Foreman and his rivals Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
Foreman will be remembered as one of the biggest stars in boxing and certainly one of the most influential athletes.
At the age of 24, he claimed the WBC heavyweight title in a spectacular fashion. Although Foreman was an expected underdog, he brutalised Frazier throughout the entire bout and dethroned him via a second-round technical decision knockout.
However, after two disappointing displays against Muhammad Ali and Jimmy Young, the American hung his gloves for almost ten years in order to come back and clinch the heavyweight belt one more time.
At the age of 45, against Michael Moorer, Foreman became the oldest man to win the heavyweight title after previously failing to clinch it against Tommy Morrison.
