Kimilili Member of Parliament (MP) Didmus Barasa has joined the global community in mourning the death of legendary boxer George Foreman, who passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the age of 76.

Taking to his X account on Saturday, March 22, 2025, Barasa paid tribute to Foreman, recognizing him as a dominant force in boxing.

He honoured the two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist as one of the sport’s most celebrated figures.

“Rest in peace, legendary George Foreman. The beast has passed away at the age of 76. Foreman was a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist,” Barasa wrote.

Rest in peace legendary George Foreman. The beast has passed away at the age of 76.

Foreman was a two-time world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist.#fosstotounel #Boxing #BBB25 pic.twitter.com/cQGJQeMgBZ

— Didmus Wekesa Barasa Mutua (@DidmusWaBarasa) March 22, 2025

Who is Foreman?

Foreman, affectionately known as ‘Big George,’ leaves behind a legacy that spans decades, cementing his place as one of the greatest heavyweights in history.

He won his first world heavyweight title in 1973 after knocking out Joe Frazier in just two rounds.

In a statement, his family described Foreman as a man of faith and purpose, noting his impact not only as a sportsman but also as a humanitarian and a devoted family man.

“Our hearts are broken. 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,” the statement read.

However, his reign came to an end in 1974 when he lost to Muhammad Ali in the iconic ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).

After a decade-long retirement, Foreman made a historic return to the ring and shocked the world by reclaiming the heavyweight title in 1994 at the age of 45, making him the oldest world champion in history.

His remarkable journey in the sport saw him achieve 76 wins, 68 of which came by knockout, an astonishing record that placed him among boxing’s elite.

Tributes pour in

Following his passing, tributes have continued to pour in from across the world of boxing and beyond.

Not long after Foreman’s family made their devastating announcement, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson posted an emotional tribute on X to pay his own respects to his fellow heavyweight.

Alongside two pictures of them together, Tyson wrote, “Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten.’