Tyson leads tributes to legend Big George

GEORGE Foreman's place in boxing history "and beyond" will never be forgotten, according to Mike Tyson, who paid tribute to the former twotime world heavyweight champion following his death at the age of 76.

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Foreman's family said he died peacefully on Friday, announcing the news on the American's Instagram account.

An Olympic gold medallist in 1968, Foreman claimed his first heavyweight title with a stoppage win over Joe Frazier in 1973.

Foreman lost the belt a year later to Muhammad Ali in the 'Rumble In the Jungle' bout held in the African nation then known as Zaire.

A second championship came more than two decades later at the age of 45 - with a stunning knockout win over Michael Moorer in 1994 making Foreman the oldest heavyweight champion ever.

Foreman retired from the sport in 1997 with a record of 76 wins - 68 by knockout and five losses. He found success in the business world after retirement, with his popular George Foreman Grill selling in the millions.