Jon Jones offered a subdued yet heartfelt tribute to heavyweight champion George Foreman following his death over the weekend.
Foreman passed away at the age of 76 on Friday, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as not only an iconic heavyweight boxing champion but also a respected businessman and preacher. Figures like Mike Tyson and Dana White quickly expressed their condolences and respect for Foreman after the news of his passing.
The fight world has been collectively mourning the loss, and UFC titleholder Jon Jones added his tribute on Sunday night. While his words were few, he shared a touching video of the boxing icon with his fans on social media.
Jon Jones Shares Emotional George Foreman Video After Legend’s Passing
Beyond his legendary battles with Muhammad Ali and his record as the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history, Foreman is also celebrated for his community work as a preacher. Jon Jones, who is also known for his deep religious faith, chose to highlight this aspect of Foreman`s life in his Instagram tribute.
Jones reposted an interview with Foreman, without adding any personal commentary, in which Foreman discussed his decision to dedicate his life to preaching after his initial boxing career. In the video, Foreman recounts, “I realized I was going to die.”
“I said ‘look, I’m still George Foreman, I can still give money to charity and for cancer’. The voice answered me back ‘I don’t want your money, I want you.’ I remember ‘boom’, tears poured, I didn’t get scared.
“I don’t care if this is death, I still believe there is a God. When I said that a gigantic hand reached in and pulled me out of nothingness. I remember saying ‘I’m dying everybody but tell everybody I’m dying for God’.
“I’d been saved from the thing I was most afraid of, death, and I started screaming ‘Jesus Chris has come alive in me’. I jumped off the table, they tried to hold me down and I said ‘I’ve got to go tell the world, I’ve got to go clean myself’.
“I ran in the shower, I started screaming ‘hallelujah I’m clean’, I ran towards the door and they stopped me because I didn’t have any clothes on. I had to tell the world, and I’ve never stopped screaming that to this day.”
George Foreman’s Passing at 76 Reverberates Through the Boxing Community
Foreman’s family announced his passing over the weekend via social media. The news resonated globally, prompting tributes from numerous celebrities and sports figures for one of history`s greatest heavyweights.
“Our hearts are broken,” the family’s statement expressed. “With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr, who peacefully departed on March 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
“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.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honor the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.”
