HOUSTON — Reaction is pouring in following the death of two-time heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman:
“Rest in peace, George Foreman. Your legacy lives on, champ.” — Scottie Pippen, six-time NBA champion
“RIP this hitting me tuff as George was one of my HEROES.” — Chuck D, rapper and co-founder of Public Enemy
“Good case to be made that George Foreman fashioned the greatest second act in sports history. And it was more than reclaiming the title. It was a total transformation.” — Jeremy Schaap, ESPN journalist
“In 1973, I was honored to welcome Foreman to the State Capitol along with my then-colleague, Mickey Leland. The world knew Foreman as a two-time heavyweight champion; we knew him as a proud member of our community — a man whose heart was as big as his powerful punch. George’s journey from the streets of Fifth Ward to boxing and business success was an inspiration. He never forgot where he came from, and his commitment to our city was constant. I extend my condolences to his family. Houston will forever be proud to call George Foreman one of our own.” — John Whitmire, mayor of Houston
Statement from Mayor John Whitmire: “Tonight, we mourn the loss of Houston legend George Foreman. In 1973, I was honored to welcome Foreman to the State Capitol along with my then-colleague, Mickey Leland.The world knew Foreman as a two-time heavyweight champion; we knew him… pic.twitter.com/xfc15BgutP
— City of Houston (@HoustonTX) March 22, 2025
“I attended so many of George’s championship fights over his career. He was a knockout artist in the ring, and it was a pleasure getting to know him not only as a boxer but as a man. After leaving the ring, he turned into an amazing businessman — I even bought one of the first George Foreman grills!” — Magic Johnson, five-time NBA champion and entrepreneur
I was really sad to hear the news that one of my boxing heroes, George Foreman, passing away. I attended so many of George’s championship fights over his career. He was a knockout artist in the ring, and it was a pleasure getting to know him not only as a boxer but as a man.…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 22, 2025
“We have lost a true American legend. George Foreman was more than just a two-time heavyweight champion, he was a symbol of strength, resilience, faith, and redemption. From the ring to the pulpit, from Olympic gold to entrepreneurial greatness, George Foreman inspired generations with his story of perseverance and grace. Houston watched him rise with strength, humility, and an unshakable belief in God. Thank you for showing us what greatness truly looks like. Your legacy will live on forever.” — Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas
“George Foreman’s passing is a heartbreaking loss for boxing, for Houston, and for all who admired him. A Houston Sports Hall of Famer and an icon of the sport, his impact will be felt forever. The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority joins our community in mourning a man whose legacy extends far beyond the ring. We are proud that he called Houston home. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.” — Harris County – Houston Sports Authority
George Foreman’s passing is a heartbreaking loss for boxing, for Houston, and for all who admired him. A Houston Sports Hall of Famer and an icon of the sport, his impact will be felt forever.The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority joins our community in mourning a man whose… pic.twitter.com/dybyUWAAnS
— Harris County – Houston Sports Authority (@HCHSA) March 22, 2025
“Beyond a living legend in the ring – just a wonderful spirit – an incredibly kind generous man — in person. I always remember every encounter with great gratitude — it was an honor to know him.” — John Cusack, actor
Rip George Foreman – Beyond a legend in the ring – just a wonderful spirit – an incredibly kind generous man – in personI always remember every encounter with great gratitude – it was an honor to know him.
— John Cusack (@johncusack) March 22, 2025
“Remembering the legendary George Foreman – a powerhouse in the ring and an inspiration to Houston.” — Houston Astros
Remembering the legendary George Foreman – a powerhouse in the ring and an inspiration to Houston. pic.twitter.com/3bv2wE4Z9e
— Houston Astros (@astros) March 22, 2025
“George was a great friend to not only myself, but to my entire family. We’ve lost a family member and are absolutely devastated.” — Bob Arum, boxing promoter
“I got to know Mr. Foreman a little bit, seeing him at all the boxing matches and I always picked his brain about trying to be an entrepreneur when your career is over. It hurts a lot because he was obviously one of the greatest boxers ever, but just a gentle man, was a pastor. This just hurts.” — Charles Barkley, Hall of Fame NBA player
Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/Xs5QjMukqr
— Mike Tyson (@MikeTyson) March 22, 2025
I met the late #GeorgeForeman when I was in college at a Houston Association of Black Journalists event. I fan girled a little bit. ❤️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/rGzzOmhC38
— Katiera Winfrey (@Katiera_Winfrey) March 22, 2025
Here’s a story from the KHOU 11 archives when Foreman was making a comeback to the ring. This video is from 1987.