Australian champion boxer Jeff Fenech has paid tribute to a life that was “something special” following the death of world champion fighter George Foreman on Saturday.
Fenech, a former Australian professional boxer who won world titles in three weight divisions: bantamweight, super bantamweight, and featherweight, is one of Australia’s all-time boxing icons.
Known for his aggressive style and relentless pressure, he earned the nickname ‘The Marrickville Mauler.’
Fenech was later inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of Australia’s greatest fighters.
He is also well known on the world circuit and spoke of the impression Foreman made on him when they met.
‘He was such a beautiful human, we spent a lot of time together,’ Fenech said.
The family of George Foreman announced on Saturday (AEDT) that the former world champion had died, aged 76
Australian boxing champion Jeff Fenech has paid tribute to the boxing career of Foreman
‘I never even heard he was sick, but he’d been in hospital – he’s very private.
‘When I first met him, it was like, ‘Wow!’ Not so much intimidating, but just the size of the guy.’
Foreman won a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, launching his professional career soon after.
In 1973, Foreman shocked the boxing world by knocking out Joe Frazier to become heavyweight champion.
He lost the title to Muhammad Ali in the famous 1974 ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ in Zaire.
After a surprise defeat in 1977, Foreman retired and became a preacher.
He made an incredible comeback in the late 1980s, regaining the heavyweight title in 1994 at age 45 by knocking out Michael Moorer.
This made him the oldest heavyweight champion in history.
Foreman said that Foreman was a “beautiful human” and his comeback was “something special”
Foreman smiles as he holds belts for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) championship and the World Boxing Union (WBU) championship
Foreman at weigh in for his famous title defence against Muhammad Ali in 1974
‘He wasn’t just a normal person,’ Fenech said. ‘He was something special.
‘Straight away you think of the rivalry he had with Ali and how big it was. Something like that, I don’t think will ever happen again.
‘His comeback in the ’90s, that’s something you never forget either.
‘He was an amazing fighter, and a very, very special man.
Outside the ring, Foreman became a successful entrepreneur, famously endorsing the George Foreman Grill. The Grill sold more than 100 million units worldwide.
Foreman retired for good in 1997 at 48, with a final record of 76 wins, which included 68 knockouts, and five losses.
‘Our hearts are broken. 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,’ the statement from his family read.
‘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,’ the statement continued.
‘We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers, and kindly ask for privacy as we honour the extraordinary life of a man we were blessed to call our own.’
