Champ, preacher, businessman and the nicest person to ever get in ring

TRIBUTES FOR BOXING GREAT GEORGE FOREMAN, DEAD AT 76

- CHRISTOPHER BUCKTIN

THE boxing world has said goodbye to two-time world champion George Foreman, one of the greatest ever heavyweights.

Big George died aged 76 after an amazing life, which took him from poverty to Olympic glory and perhaps the most famous boxing clash ever - the Rumble the Jungle against in Muhammad Ali.

One of the most destructive punchers in boxing history, he became a preacher after quitting the ring but then returned to reclaim the title at 45, becoming boxing's oldest heavyweight champion, a record still unbroken today.

The legend, who idolised his 12 children from five marriages, also launched a hugely popular kitchen griller, which earned him more money than the purses of his glittering boxing career.

A family statement said: "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."

"A humanitarian, an Olympian and two-time heavyweight champion of the world. He was deeply respected - a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name for his family."

LEGENDARY

George was not just a fighter but a symbol of resilience, reinvention and the power of his faith.

The Ring magazine described him as "one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Ex-heavyweight champion Mike Tyson said no one could match the power of Big George's fists.