Following the death of heavyweight champion George Foreman, Jon Jones, a fellow heavyweight titleholder, expressed his respect. Foreman, aged 76, passed away on Friday and is remembered for his significant impact as a boxing champion, businessman, and religious leader. Figures like Mike Tyson and Dana White quickly shared their condolences.
The fight community has been in mourning, and UFC champion Jon Jones added to the tributes on Sunday night. Choosing a subtle approach, Jones shared a touching video of the boxing legend with his followers on social media.
Jon Jones Posts Emotional Video in Memory of George Foreman
Beyond his famous boxing matches, including those with Muhammad Ali, and his record as the oldest heavyweight boxing champion, Foreman was admired for his community work as a preacher. Jon Jones, known for his own strong faith, chose to highlight this aspect of Foreman`s life in his Instagram tribute.
Jones reposted an interview clip of Foreman, without adding his own comments. In the interview, Foreman discusses his decision to become a preacher after his initial boxing career. In the video, Foreman recounts realizing his own mortality.
“I thought, I’m still George Foreman, I can still donate to charity and for cancer.” Foreman described hearing a voice respond, “I don’t want your money, I want you.” He continued, “I remember instantly crying, but I wasn’t afraid.”
“I thought, even if this is death, I still believe in God. As soon as I said that, it felt like a giant hand pulled me out of nothingness. I remember saying, ‘I’m dying everybody, but tell everybody I’m dying for God’.”
“I had been saved from death, the thing I feared most, and I started shouting ‘Jesus Christ has come alive in me’. I jumped up, and when people tried to restrain me, I said ‘I have to tell the world, I have to cleanse myself’.”
“I ran to the shower, yelling ‘hallelujah I’m clean’, and rushed to leave, but was stopped because I wasn`t dressed. I knew I had to tell everyone, and I’ve been proclaiming that message ever since.”
Boxing World Mourns George Foreman`s Death at 76
Foreman`s family announced his passing over the weekend via social media. The news resonated worldwide, leading to tributes from numerous celebrities and athletes honoring a heavyweight icon.
“Our hearts are broken,” the family statement read. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who peacefully passed away on March 21, 2025, surrounded by his family.
“A devoted preacher, husband, loving father, and proud grandfather and great-grandfather, he lived a life characterized by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose. A humanitarian, Olympian, and two-time heavyweight world champion.”
“He was deeply respected – a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to safeguard his good name—for his family.
“We are thankful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and respectfully request privacy as we celebrate the remarkable life of a man we were privileged to call our own.”
