Mike Tyson leads tributes to George Foreman as boxing legend dies aged 76 | Boxing | Sport

Mike Tyson has paid his respects to fellow boxing icon George Foreman with a heartfelt message to his family. Foreman has died at the age of 76, his loved ones have confirmed, after a legendary boxing career which spanned two spells as world heavyweight champion.

Foreman’s illustrious list of achievements include winning Olympic gold in 1968, his first world heavyweight title in 1973 and his second in 1994 – the latter of which made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history, aged 45. The Texas-born slugger was known for his remarkable punching power and clinched 68 of his 76 professional wins by way of knockout. Upon retiring in 1997, after his last pro bout at the age of 48, Foreman only had five defeats on his record.

Tyson was one of the first big names to pay tribute, posting two pictures of himself with Foreman and writing on X: “Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”

There were rumours that Tyson and Foreman would fight in the early 1990s, but those plans never came to fruition. ‘Big George’ has plenty of other huge names on his CV, including Joe Frazier, who he defeated via second-round TKO to become world heavyweight champion for the first time and extend his record to 38-0.

That was up to 40 by the time Muhammad Ali won their famous Rumble in the Jungle fight the following year and inflicted Foreman’s first defeat.

Foreman would go on to beat Frazier for a second time in 1976, and he shared the ring with other legends like Ken Norton, Evander Holyfield, Tommy Morrison and Michael Moorer before hanging up his gloves.

The American was one of the best-known fighters of his era and is one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, but his personal fortune skyrocketed in retirement, having attached his name to a best-selling portable grill.

Foreman’s family said in an Instagram post on Friday night: “Our hearts are broken. 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.”