Legendary boxer George Foreman has sadly passed away, aged 76.
The former two-time heavyweight champion was one of the biggest names in the sport in his prime, boasting a record of 76 wins, 68 being knockouts, and just five losses over a career that spanned three decades.
Foreman is known for winning the Olympic gold in 1968 and for his famous bout against Muhammad Ali in 1974, which was dubbed the 'Rumble in the Jungle'.
Following his loss against Ali, he retired from boxing and became a Christian minister, before returning 10 years later and regaining the heavyweight title.
You may also know his name from being associated with a best-selling grill.
Foreman's family released a statement on Friday night (21 March), saying: "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."
They added: "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."
Tributes flooded it from the boxing world, with one in particular standing out, as Mike Tyson wrote on social media: "Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten," accompanied with two photos of the pair, taken decades apart.
Like Foreman, Tyson is one of the greatest and most respected fighters in boxing history, though he previously admitted that his biggest regret was never facing 'Big George' in the ring.
Tyson fought in 58 bouts in a 20-year career, with a record of 50 wins, 44 via knockout, and just six losses.
Speaking to The Ring Magazine, Tyson claimed: “I would have liked to fight George Foreman.
“There have been many fans who wondered who was the bigger puncher. I would have liked to put an end to the discussion - one way or the other.”
While fans in the 80s and 90s would have loved to see Foreman face off against 'Iron Mike', it never materialised.
The Ring, known as the 'Bible of Boxing', also released a statement following Foreman's passing.
It said: "The Ring is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of boxing legend George Foreman.
"Foreman is considered one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, and will be remembered as an icon of the sport forever.
"Our deepest sympathies are with George’s friends and family at this time."
Tyson has previously spoken highly about Foreman, claiming in another interview that he might be the only boxer that could hit harder than him.
When asked about the hardest hitter ever in the heavyweight division, he told Fight Camp (via TalkSport): "[It's George Foreman], I can’t match somebody’s power who’s that big and that much man.
"Only thing that allowed me to be exciting was that I did it faster than the other guys."
Featured Image Credit: Omar Vega/HUBLOT via Getty ImagesTopics: Boxing, Sport, Olympics, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Social Media
Joshua Nair