Heavyweight boxing great Mike Tyson shared his first public remarks on the legendary George Foreman’s death.
The boxing world continues to mourn the death of heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman after he passed away on Friday at a Houston, TX hospital. George’s brother, Roy recently told The New York Times that an official cause of death is still unclear, despite the combat sports icon suffering some health issues in recent years.
In the hours after Foreman’s passing, many top boxers, promoters, and broadcasters have weighed in on the heavyweight champion’s legacy in and out of the ring. From his professional debut at Madison Square Garden to becoming a heavyweight champion at 22 years old, Foreman is one of the all-time greats in heavyweight boxing history.
Foreman inspired many top names, including Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, during his legendary career. During his prime, he was one of the sport’s most-feared combatants with vicious one-punch knockout power.
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Mike Tyson reacts to George Foreman’s passing
Foreman set the standard for young, talented heavyweights to challenge for world championships. His accolades inspired Tyson to become boxing’s youngest-ever undisputed heavyweight champion during his ‘Kid Dynamite’ arrival.
Foreman and Tyson had an up-and-down relationship during their fighting careers but became friends later on. During a 1989 interview with David Letterman, Foreman shared his quest to stop Tyson’s heavyweight run despite being on the tail end of his career in the ring.
More than 30 years later, and after Foreman’s death, Tyson shared in mourning one of boxing’s all-time greats.
In a recent post to X, Tyson reacted to Foreman’s passing.
“Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten,” Tyson posted.
George Foreman proved heavyweights can become world champions late in their careers
Foreman was a knockout machine during his boxing prime, at one point earning three knockdowns in under a minute to secure his momentous showdown with Muhammad Ali. Despite losing to Ali in a major upset, Foreman ‘shook’ Ali and cemented himself as a juggernaut in the sport.
Foreman became the oldest heavyweight boxing champion when he knocked out Michael Moorer at 45 years old in 1994. He retired after a majority decision loss against Shannon Briggs in 1997.
Tyson returned to the ring in November against Jake Paul with the 58-year-old falling to Paul by unanimous decision.
While Tyson and Foreman had competitive animus during their careers, tensions cooled down as both heavyweights walked away from the heavyweight spotlight. In the modern era of great heavyweights like Oleksandr Usyk, it’s important to remember Foreman and other top names who helped build the division into boxing’s greatest sensation.
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