Boxing fans remember George Foreman as one of the greatest professional boxers in history, with a record of 76-5 (68 wins by knockout) and a Hall of Fame career that included IBA, IBF, NABF, WBA, WBC, WBO, UMB and The Ring heavyweight championships.
Foreman had landmark victories on his record, including fights such as Joe Frazier (twice), Michael Moorer and Ken Norton, as well as competing in arguably two of the most important boxing matches in history: “The Fight of the Century” against Joe Frazier in 1977 and “The Rumble in the Jungle” against Muhammad Ali in 1974, but most people claim that Foreman’s “unicorn” was Mike Tyson, with whom he almost got into the ring.
Tyson vs Foreman: The fight everyone wanted to see but never happened
Both men tried to fight several times when they were still active boxers, and they almost did so in 1995, but the deal never materialized. When news broke of George Foreman’s death at the age of 76 on Friday, Tyson took to social media to pay tribute to one of boxing’s legends and the man he always dreamed of stepping into the ring with.
“Condolences to the family of George Foreman. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten,” Mike Tyson posted on X along with two photos of him and Foreman together.
Tyson also had a distinguished boxing career, with a 50-7 record and stints as WBA, WBC, IBF, IBO and The Ring heavyweight champion, but those close to him believe a fight against Foreman was a bout he always craved.
Foreman’s family published news of his death on Instagram.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones,” Foreman’s family wrote. “A devoted preacher, devoted husband, loving father and proud great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith with humility and purpose.
“Humanitarian, Olympic athlete and two-time world heavyweight champion, he was deeply respected: a force for good, a man of discipline and conviction, and a protector of his legacy, who fought tirelessly to preserve his good name and that of his family. We thank you for your love and prayers, and ask that you respect us privately as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.
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