By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-03-22 16:15:57 | Updated at 2025-03-23 15:10:11
23 hours ago
Former world heavyweight champion David Haye has paid a touching tribute to boxing legend George Foreman, who died on Friday aged 76.
Speaking on GB News, Haye praised Foreman's extraordinary career and lasting impact on the sport.
Foreman passed away peacefully on March 21, 2025, "surrounded by loved ones", according to a statement released by his family.
"He'll go down as one of the greatest ever fighters," Haye said of the two-time heavyweight world champion and Olympic gold medallist.
Foreman won gold at the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games at just 19 years old before turning professional.
By 1973, with an undefeated record, Foreman knocked out Joe Frazier to claim his first world heavyweight title.
Haye spoke about Foreman's legendary 1974 bout against Muhammad Ali, known as "The Rumble in the Jungle".
"He then obviously had the big one in Zaire, Africa, with Muhammad Ali. The Rumble in the Jungle," Haye recalled.
David Haye joined Dawn Neesom on GB News
GB NEWS
"He went at that fight like a maniac. He had so much to prove. He really wanted to get there and knock Muhammad Ali out."
Despite being favoured to win, Foreman was defeated by Ali in what became one of boxing's most historic matches.
"Unfortunately, he lost that big fight. He went away from the ring for about 10 years and had a hiatus," Haye added.
Haye was particularly impressed by Foreman's remarkable comeback to the sport after a decade away.
"He lost in a high profile fight against Muhammad Ali and 20 years later, he goes on and does the unthinkable and defeats a 26-year-old Michael Moorer when he was a massive, massive underdog", Haye said.
This extraordinary achievement came in 1994 when Foreman, at age 46, reclaimed the heavyweight championship by defeating Michael Moorer.
"He proved his greatness," Haye added, highlighting the unprecedented nature of Foreman's late-career success.
Beyond his boxing achievements, Foreman was known as "a devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather", according to his family's statement.
He became a successful entrepreneur, most notably as the face of the George Foreman Grill, which sold over 100 million units.
Foreman retired from boxing for good in 1999, finishing his career with 76 wins and five losses.
He is survived by his wife Mary Joan Martelly and 11 children.
