Arum’s introduction to the sport came in 1966 when he promoted the world title fight between Ali and George Chuvalo. Since then, he has been involved with countless marquee names, including the modern heavyweight star, Tyson Fury.

Despite having worked with many outstanding fighters, Arum is unequivocal when asked about who he considers the greatest heavyweight in history. His experience spans decades and generations of heavyweight champions.

Who does Bob Arum consider the greatest heavyweight of all time?

Speaking to Reuters, Arum did not hesitate in naming Muhammad Ali as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time, citing both Ali’s unmatched skill inside the ring and his larger cultural impact.

Arum emphasized Ali’s unique combination of athleticism and boxing prowess. He explained: “I think when you talk about Muhammad Ali, as great an athlete, as great a boxer as he was – he was the greatest boxer of all time – he means so much more to the United States and the world.“

“You have to understand, in the period up to the mid-1967, when he was unable to fight, Ali was the greatest fighter in the history of the world, certainly by far the greatest heavyweight. No heavyweight ever could move the way he could, no heavyweight could throw punches from different angles like he could.” Arum added.

Arum’s sentiments reflect a widespread consensus that Ali revolutionized the heavyweight division through his unmatched speed, agility, and unorthodox style, which set him apart from every other champion before and since.

Ali’s enduring legacy inside and outside the ring

Ali’s triumphs over formidable opponents such as Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman are legendary moments in boxing history. Yet his influence extended far beyond the squared circle. During his prime years, Ali was stripped of his boxing license and faced potential imprisonment for refusing to be drafted into the US military during the Vietnam War. This bold stand elevated him to a symbol of resistance and courage.

Even today, Ali remains the most recognized and revered name in boxing, representing not only athletic excellence but also a profound cultural legacy. His combination of skill, personality, and conviction continues to inspire fighters and fans worldwide.

Though Big George passed away this past March at the age of 76, his legacy as a two-time heavyweight champion and a fighter with a stellar 76-5 record grants his opinion undeniable weight. And in his eyes, there’s one man who sits at the top of boxing’s Mount Olympus: Joe Louis.

Nicknamed “The Brown Bomber,” Joe Louis held the heavyweight title for over 11 years—from 1937 to 1949—a reign that remains unmatched in boxing history. In a 2021 post on X (formerly Twitter), Foreman declared: “The best boxer I ever saw was Joe Louis. No one has surpassed him. Well-taught and gifted condition.”

He doubled down on that stance in 2022, saying: “[Joe] Louis was champion for 11 years. I might change my list every year, but Joe Louis is always No. 1.” Foreman also praised Louis’s sheer punching power, noting in another post: “Joe Louis was the hardest puncher. Liston and Lennox Lewis are up there too.”

Foreman’s controversial all-time Top 5 heavyweights

While Joe Louis topped Foreman’s ranking without debate, the rest of his Top 5 stirred controversy, especially for who didn’t make the cut. Absent were names like Mike Tyson and Joe Frazier—both considered all-time greats.

Instead, Foreman ranked Jack Johnson second, the first Black heavyweight champion who reigned from 1908 to 1915. Third was the undefeated Rocky Marciano, followed by Muhammad Ali, who famously defeated Foreman in 1974. Rounding out his list was Evander Holyfield, another rival who shared the ring with Foreman in his storied career.

The history of boxing couldn’t be written without George Foreman’s name. He was a two-time heavyweight world champion and an Olympic gold medalist, a feat few boxers can claim.

Sadly, George Foreman passed away on the night of March 21, 2025. The boxing community united in tribute to ‘Big George,’ the legend of the 1968 Summer Olympics.

What was George Foreman’s cause of death?

On Friday, March 21, 2025, George Foreman’s family released a statement confirming the heavyweight champion’s passing. The statement did not disclose the cause of death, only mentioning that he passed away surrounded by family and loved ones, suggesting natural causes rather than an unexpected illness.

Foreman will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest. He finished his career with an impressive 76-5 record, including 68 wins by knockout, and a gold medal in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico—one of the crowning achievements of his illustrious career.

Jake Paul, Mike Tyson, and other stars pay tribute to George Foreman

Following the heartbreaking news of George Foreman’s passing, numerous personalities paid tribute to the boxing icon and his family. Jake Paul took to X, formerly Twitter, to honor ‘Big George.’

“Rest in Peace George Foreman and condolences to his entire family,” Paul wrote on X. “He did great things inside and outside of the ring. Big George Forever Goated.”

Mike Tyson, another heavyweight legend, also shared a heartfelt message on X. “Condolences to George Foreman’s family. His contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten,” Tyson wrote, alongside two photos with the boxing icon.

Bulls legend Scottie Pippen, sports announcer Michael Buffer, former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, boxing trainer Freddie Roach, and many other stars also paid tribute to Foreman with heartfelt messages on social media.

Foreman, after an extended retirement, returned to the ring with renewed strength, proving that age had not diminished his legendary power. Mike Tyson, meanwhile, dominated the heavyweight division in the 1980s with his aggressive style and explosive youthful energy.

In a revealing interview with Fighthype, Holyfield shared his perspective on the punching power of both fighters: “George Foreman. A lot harder, a lot bigger too though,” he said. Coming from a man who experienced the brute force of both legends firsthand, this statement adds a fascinating new layer to the ongoing debate over who possessed the most devastating punch.

The Power of a Jackhammer vs. the Fury of a Hurricane

Foreman, renowned for his raw power and straight punches, fought like a jackhammer, delivering relentless, crushing blows. His imposing size and reach made him a constant threat in the ring. Tyson, on the other hand, was a whirlwind of punches, combining explosive speed and surprising agility for his size. His style relied on quick combinations that overwhelmed opponents.

Holyfield, known for his exceptional movement and stamina, managed to neutralize the attacks of both fighters during their bouts. However, it was Foreman’s brute force that left the biggest impression.

An Open Debate

It’s important to remember that boxing is a highly subjective sport, and perceptions of punching power can vary from boxer to boxer. The strength of a punch isn’t determined solely by raw power but also by factors such as accuracy, angle of impact, and a boxer’s ability to absorb punishment.

Ultimately, the question of who hit harder—Foreman or Tyson—remains a matter of personal opinion and will likely continue to be a topic of debate among boxing fans. What is undeniable, however, is that both were exceptional fighters whose clashes with Holyfield rank among the most memorable moments in boxing history.

Now Foreman is preparing for another fight, the fight to clear his name, as two women have accused the former grill salesman and pastor of sexual misconduct in the 1970s. The women claim that Foreman abused both of them during that decade.

The court documents state that the fathers of each of the women had business ventures with Foreman during the 1970s and that is when the abuse took place.

George Foreman issues statement on sexual abuse claims

From the Foreman camp the former boxer is abundantly clear that the accusations are false and issued a statement on the matter.

“Over the past six months, two women have been trying to extort millions of dollars each from me and my family.

“They are falsely claiming that I sexually abused them over 45 years ago in the 1970s.

“I adamantly and categorically deny these allegations.

“The pride I take in my reputation means as much to me as my sports accomplishments, and I will not be intimidated by baseless threats and lies.

“I am, and always will be, guided by my faith and trust in God.

“I will work with my lawyers to fully and truthfully expose my accusers’ scheme and defend myself in court.

“I don’t pick fights, but I don’t run away from them either.”

Foreman entered the boxing hall of fame in 2003 and is still to this date the oldest world heavyweight champion in history at 45 and 299 days in 1994.

On January 12, Crawford has filed a lawsuit in Nevada against the 90-year-old promoter, for allegedly damaging his boxing career due to racism. The current WBO World Welterweight Champion is demanding the payment of $10 million as compensation.

The Nebraska native has also pointed on his lawsuit that not only him, but other members of the boxing community have suffered Arum’s “revolting racial bias“, all of them color people such as Floyd Mayweather Jr, legendary World Champion in 5 different weight classes, and Al Haymon, promoter.

George Foreman supports Bob Arum in the face of Terrence Crawford lawsuit

George Foreman was promoted by Bob Arum on his come back to boxing after a 10-year retirement and lived close to him the moment in which he became the oldest fighter to win a World Heavyweight title. As a black fighter, he assures he has never felt any sign of racism on the part of Top Rank founder and chairman.

“He’s not a saint, but Bob Arum is one of the finest men I know,” stated Foreman to Yahoo Sports.“You could call me about 25 other guys, 30 other guys, and ask me that question and I wouldn’t return the call. But not this one. Nuh-uh. He’s got a passion for his fellow man“.

Moreover, Big George has also shared that his heart broke after noticing the accusations Terrence Crawford has made against Arum, the one who always have supported him like at the time he accomplished the feat of knocking out Michael Moorer in 1994: “He gave me the most passionate hug and said, ‘George, praise the Lord! For someone to accuse a guy like that of racism, it’s wrong. But you know what they say: All is fair in love and war“.

Bob Arum statement after being sued by Crawford

Also as an answer to Yahoo Sports’, Bob Arum shared his point of view of the accusations made by Terrence Crawford. Arum has worked so far with legendary black fighters such as already mentioned George Foreman, Muhammad Ali, Thomas Hearns, and Marvin Hagler among others.

“Crawford’s lawsuit against Top Rank is frivolous. Its vile accusations of racism are reckless and indefensible. He knows it and his lawyer knows it. I have spent my entire working life as a champion of black boxers, Latino boxers and other boxers of color. I have no doubt the court will see Crawford’s case for the malicious extortion attempt that it is“, said Arum.

More signs of support to Bob Arum

George Foreman was not the only legend to back up the 90-year-old promoter on his legal issue with Terrence Crawford. Muhammad Ali’s daughter, Rasheda has shown his trust and gratitude to Arumon social media.

“Bob Arum stood with my father when the world was against him. Bob and my father are a big reason why Black and Brown athletes are fairly compensated today. Proud that my son Nico Ali Walsh is part of Team Top Rank“, posted Rasheda on Twitter.