BBC Breakfast halted as presenters announce demise of ‘best sportsman of his era’
BBC Breakfast presenters Ben Thompson and Rachel Burden announced the devastating news that iconic sportsman George Foreman had died, as the show began on Saturday
BBC Breakfast kicked off their Saturday show (March 22) with some tragic breaking news.
As the cameras started rolling, hosts Ben Thompson and Rachel Burden broke the news that boxing legend George Foreman had passed away.
Rachel shared: “We’ve also had some breaking news overnight involving the death of one of the greatest sportsmen of his generation.”
Passing the baton to her co-host Ben, he added: “The American heavyweight boxer George Foreman has died at the age of 76.
“He won two world titles, two decades apart and an Olympic gold medal. He also famously fought Muhammad Ali in 1974. Billed, of course, as a rumble in the jungle. His family said he was a force for good who led an extraordinary life.”
A montage of clips was then shown to viewers as a BBC correspondent reflected on his life, describing the boxing legend as a ‘larger than life star’.
Taking to social media, Foreman’s family shared the news: “Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr. 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.
“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.
“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.”
Foreman won gold at the 1968 Summer Olympics before going pro the following year. His legendary status was cemented with a stunning second-round knockout of the then-undefeated Joe Frazier in 1973, securing the heavyweight title, reports the Mirror US.
Foreman defended his heavyweight crown twice before suffering his first professional loss at the hands of Muhammad Ali in the iconic Rumble in the Jungle in 1974.
Foreman remains the oldest fighter to ever win the world heavyweight title and the second-oldest in any weight class, behind Bernard Hopkins at light heavyweight. Aged 48 with a record of 76 wins – 68 via knockout – and five losses, Foreman called time on his illustrious career in 1997.
Foreman was also a world class entrepreneur, launching the George Foreman Grill. Since its inception in 1994, over 100 million units of the George Foreman Grills have been sold across the worldwide.
