President Donald Trump paid tribute to former boxer George Foreman, calling him a “great fighter” and “really special” after the news of his death on Friday.
“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. 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!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media platform.
Newsweek reached out to Foreman’s family through his website via online form for additional information regarding funeral arrangements.
Why It Matters
Foreman, 76, was among the most widely recognizable fighters in the boxing world. He was also a businessman, selling grilling products amid his successful comeback run at age 38 after a 10-year hiatus from the ring.
Foreman had a record of 76-5 and was considered among the all-time boxing greats. Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, and later settled in Houston after becoming a minister.
What To Know
Foreman fought Evander Holyfield at the Trump Plaza Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1991. The boxer appeared with Trump in several photos at the event as he was in attendance with former wife Marla Maples.
In 1997, Trump took a photo doing an iconic pose with Foreman and former boxer Shannon Briggs in Times Square in New York City. All three were holding up their fists toward the camera lens in the image.
Foreman received many accolades from his work in the boxing ring, which included being crowned heavyweight world champion twice and winning an Olympic gold medal.
In the post to Foreman’s Instagram page announcing his death on Friday, the caption reads: “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.”
Concluding, the post says, “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”
Foreman had 12 children and named all five of his sons George, once explaining on his website, “I named all my sons George Edward Foreman so they would always have something in common.”
His mission statement on his website reads: “The world is full of people who want to play it safe, people who have tremendous potential but never use it. Somewhere deep inside them, they know that they could do more in life, be more, and have more—if only they were willing to take a few risks.”
Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Sony Pictures Releasing/Bryan Dozier/Middle East Images via AFP
What People Are Saying
Fellow boxing superstar Mike Tyson reacted on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday: “Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.”
Actor William Shatner posted to X on Friday: “Condolences to the family of George Foreman. 😔”
President of the World Boxing Council, Mauricio Sulaiman, posted to X on Friday: “Receiving sad news is a moment that sticks to your memory for life 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.”
What Happens Next?
More tributes are expected to continue to flood social media, and Foreman’s family has yet to announce funeral arrangements.
Update 3/22/25, 10 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
