George Foreman was a titan in the world of sports, and while boxing was his jungle, Foreman’s influence stretched beyond boxing. The legend passed away on the 21st of March this year and Kevin Garnett and other NBA legends sent their condolences to the heavyweight. The outpouring of support from the basketball community showed how much athletes across various sports valued Foreman.
Foreman’s tale, his initial dominance, and his unlikely return to claim the heavyweight title at 45 years old struck a chord with Garnett. The Hall of Famer was always in awe of competitors who went against the odds, so Foreman’s path was especially motivational.
Kevin Garnett, a legend who never shies away from giving flowers to greatness, took to social media to honor Foreman. On a story, “[salute emoji, BIG RESPECT..one of the greatest to do it,” Garnett wrote, sharing a throwback image of Foreman in his prime.
While boxing and basketball are different arenas, George Foreman’s influence on athletes was universal. NBA legends past and present expressed their admiration for Foreman’s incredible career and the legacy he left behind. Owing to that, Spencer Haywood, a legend in his own right also posted a story with a picture of George Foreman, captioning it, “My 1968 Olympic teammate Big George Foreman. Rest in Paradise ,” recounting the days they spent as Olympic teammates.
Winning an Olympic medal, being a world champion holding multiple belts are all a part of his legacy. Let us see what the amazing George Foreman accomplished.
The Enduring Legacy of George Foreman
George Foreman left behind a legacy of strength, perseverance, and rebirth. With a brutal knockout of Joe Frazier in 1973, he became the first guy to win the heavyweight title. However, his career took an unexpected turn when he fell to Muhammad Ali in the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle,” which is now regarded as one of the most closely watched fights in sports history since there was so much to debate over, from the fight itself to the score. Foreman had other plans, to shock the world. But most believed it would be the end of his chances of winning a championship.
After a decade-long hiatus, he turned heads by returning to boxing in the late 1980s, defying expectations at every turn. At 45, he did the unfathomable, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history by knocking out Michael Moorer in 1994, redefining that age is nothing but a number. The ability to adapt and persevere that Foreman possessed became an inspiration for athletes worldwide.
Beyond boxing, Foreman’s impact extended to business, where he reinvented himself with the George Foreman Grill. The Foreman Grill became a household staple selling over 100 million units globally. His ability to stay relevant across generations is a testament to his greatness, proving that true legends transcend their sports. Foreman’s story remains a beacon of perseverance, proving that comebacks are possible at any stage of life. Rest in Peace Big George!
The post “Greatest to Do It”: Kevin Garnett Mourns George Foreman Leading NBA’s Emotional Tributes to the Boxing Icon appeared first on EssentiallySports.