George Foreman, the fearsome heavyweight who lost the “Rumble in the Jungle” to Muhammad Ali before his inspiring second act as a 45-year-old champion and a successful businessman, died Friday night. He was 76.
Foreman’s family announced his death on social media.
“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,” his family wrote.
A native Texan, Foreman began his boxing career as an Olympic gold medalist who inspired fear as he climbed to the peak of the heavyweight division by stopping Joe Frazier in 1973. His formidable aura evaporated only a year later when Ali pulled off one of the most audacious victories in boxing history in Zaire, baiting and taunting Foreman into losing his belt in one of the greatest fights ever staged.
Foreman left the sport a few years later, but returned after a 10-year absence and a self-described religious awakening.
He then pulled off one of the most spectacular knockouts in boxing history in 1994, flooring Michael Moorer — 19 years his junior — with one perfect combination to claim Moorer’s two heavyweight belts.
Foreman’s transformation into an inspirational figure was complete, and he fought only four more times before moving onto his next career as a genial businessman, pitchman and occasional actor.
He was best known as the face of the George Foreman Grill, a rudimentary cooking machine which sold more than 100 million units and made him much wealthier than his sport ever did.
George Foreman, the glowering heavyweight who became a lovable champion, dies at 76
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George Foreman, the glowering heavyweight who became a lovable champion, dies at 76
5 things we learned from Saudi’s World Cup qualifiers
- Four points from a win over China and a draw with Japan is probably what Herve Renard had set as an acceptable return from this international week
LONDON: Saudi Arabia drew 0-0 in Japan on Tuesday to follow the 1-0 win over China last Thursday. The results leave the Green Falcons on 10 points in Group C in the third round of 2026 World Cup qualification, three points behind Australia in second. Japan are already sure of first.
Only the top two from each of the three groups of six are guaranteed a place in North America next summer, while those that finish third and fourth advance to another stage of qualification.
It goes without saying that Saudi Arabia want to take the direct route. Here are five things we learned from this World Cup qualification window.
The Japan result was a good one
Four points from the two games is a good showing. The China game should have ended with a more emphatic scoreline and ideally would have been followed by victory in Japan.
Coach Herve Renard said after the 0-0 draw that he would have taken the point if he had been offered it 24 hours earlier, and understandably so. Japan are the best team in Asia by some distance, even if they had already qualified.
If Saudi Arabia do miss out on the automatic places for the World Cup it will not be because of the stalemate in Japan but because of earlier home draws with Indonesia and Bahrain. If six points had been taken in those two games under Roberto Mancini, then the result in Saitama Stadium would have been hailed as an excellent one. The same could be said if Australia had not picked up six points in the last five days.
Attacking threat sacrificed for defensive solidity
Renard did not need to say that he would have taken a point: His game plan and tactics made it obvious that this was what he wanted.
There was talk about keeping it tight for the opening exchanges and then perhaps getting down the wings to cause problems for the East Asians.
The first part of that equation happened, but the second? Not really. There was little in terms of attacking threat from the visitors. There were long balls out of defence but Firas Al-Buraikan was often left isolated on the rare occasions that the ball went into dangerous areas.
Yet the concentration, the tactical discipline and hard work were impressive. Saudi Arabia frustrated a better team away from home and while there was luck at times, they are only the second team to take points from Japan in 14 World Cup qualifiers.
Jehad Thakri impresses
With injuries at the back, a problem not helped by Hassan Kadesh getting carried off against China, there were some understandable worries against the team with the most firepower in Asia. There may have been a few nerves when Renard handed a debut to Jehad Thakri but the Al-Qadsiah center-back did not display any signs of them as he took the field at Saitama Stadium on the right side of a three-man defense.
The 23-year-old has made a name for himself this season in the Saudi Pro League and looks like he belongs on the international stage too as he was confident, strong and hard to beat. His distribution was not quite as impressive but there is time for that to develop, especially as there will not be many games when Saudi Arabia are under so much pressure. With Nawaf Boushal also impressing, there are some new names coming through.
Fatigue and injuries play a part
Following the Japan game there has been plenty of reaction on social media about how extending the number of foreign players allowed in Saudi Pro League squads to 10 has negatively affected the national team.
That is perhaps a debate for another day, but it should not be forgotten that the Green Falcons have had to deal with numerous injuries. Just before the China game, midfielder Mohamed Kanno was ruled out, then Kadesh was also unavailable and, perhaps most damaging of all, Roma star Saud Abdulhamid picked up an injury. There are also longer-term knocks such as Yasser Al-Shahrani and others.
And then there is the travel factor. There was a hard-fought game at home and then a long, long trip east, across six time zones, to face the best team in Asia. This should not be underestimated (and will work against Australia in the final window).
Renard has gambled on Japan
There are two games remaining, with the final clash between Saudi Arabia and Australia on June 10 — and this cannot be a dead rubber. The problem is that the Socceroos are three points clear with a much superior goal difference.
Whatever happens, Renard and his men have to win in Bahrain in the penultimate match. Then the hope is that Japan get something in Perth on the same day. Even though they have already qualified, the Samurai Blue are certainly capable of winning Down Under. There is a rivalry between the two teams and Japan would enjoy denting Australia’s World Cup hopes.
It would mean then that it all comes down to the last game. If Saudi Arabia go into the Australia match knowing that a win means second place and the World Cup, then Renard will be happy.
StarzPlay secures multi-year media rights deal with Saudi-backed Professional Fighters League
- Streaming platform to broadcast all PFL programming in MENA region, including UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt
- PFL action begins on StarzPlay on April 3 with the World Tournament
LONDON: The Saudi Arabia-backed Professional Fighters League on Tuesday announced a landmark multi-year media rights partnership with StarzPlay, the leading subscription video-on-demand service in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has invested in the PFL through its subsidiary SRJ Sports Investments.
The agreement with StarzPlay ensures that all PFL mixed martial arts programming — including the PFL World Tournament, Champions Series, PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and PFL Africa — will be available to fight fans across the MENA region.
All PFL content will be accessible via the StarzPlay application, including on mobile and TV apps.
The partnership kicks off on April 3 with the launch of the 2025 PFL World Tournament.
Additionally, fans will be able to watch PFL MENA free in 2025, with the main event of the PFL MENA Season 2 quarterfinals scheduled to take place in Jeddah on May 9.
That event will feature a highly anticipated featherweight showdown between Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Al-Qahtani and Egypt’s Islam Reda.
The collaboration reinforces PFL’s commitment to expand its global footprint and deliver world-class MMA to audiences throughout the MENA region.
“We are very excited to partner with StarzPlay … to bring world-class MMA action to millions of passionate fight fans. This multi-year partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to expand the PFL’s global footprint and deliver premium combat sports content to audiences worldwide,” said Pete Murray, chief executive officer of PFL.
“The Middle East is a key market for the PFL and now, fight fans across the region can watch and support their favorite MENA fighters in all PFL events, including the electrifying kickoff of PFL MENA Season 2 in Jeddah this May 9,” he added.
Danny Bates, chief operations officer and co-founder of StarzPlay, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the growing appetite for diverse sports content in the region, adding: “With more people seeking diverse sports offerings today, this collaboration allows us to deliver premium MMA content to our subscribers across the MENA region, connecting them with the best in regional and international MMA talent.”
Saudi Arabia struggle to make an impression in Japan in World Cup qualifier
- Saudis went into the game in Saitama in third place in Asian qualifying third round Group C, one point behind Australia
SAITAMA, Japan: Saudi Arabia failed to make any significant gains in World Cup qualifying after a tame 0-0 draw against Japan in front of 58,000 fans at Saitama Stadium on Tuesday.
Japan controlled the game from the start with patient possession football and the Saudi team struggled to create chances on a cool night in Saitama just north of Tokyo.
Saudi Arabia came under early pressure from the Japanese with left winger NAKAMURA Keita giving Saudi full back Muhannad Al Shanqiti a torrid time on Saudi Arabia’s left flank.
The Japanese team played controlled football with short passes and always had a player available. In contrast, the Saudis lacked ideas and when they did manage a break, there was little or no support, making Japan’s job of defending easy.
Japan’s best chance in the half came in the ninth minute when MAEDA Daizen latched on to a through ball and directed a shot against the right post.
Japan goalkeeper SUZUKI Zion had nothing to do except a single headed clearance outside the box.
Hassan Al Tambakti resorted to launching long balls from the back, but they made little impact on the Japanese defense.
KAMADA Daichi and Nakamura continued to cause problems down Saudi Arabia’s right side, setting up a couple of half-chances for Maeda who failed to capitalize.
Saudi Arabia’s best chance came in the 22nd minute when Nawaf Bu Washl crossed to the far post, but Al Shanqiti’s header flew over the bar.
KUBO Take fuss managed a couple of breaks down the right wing, but the final ball failed to trouble the Saudi defense.
It was no surprise when Saudi Arabia replaced Al Shanqiti with Ali Hassan Majrashi at halftime and he managed to leave his mark on Nakamura in the first minute of the half as well as making some tough tackles on the Japanese winger.
In the 56th minute, TANAKA Ao nearly caught out the Saudi defense with a ball over top, but it was just beyond the reach of Maeda, who came close again two minutes later.
Saudi manager Herve Renard brought on Ziyad Aljohani and Turki Alammar in the 60th minute while Japan replaced Kubo and SUGAWARA Yukinari with ITO Junya and DOAN Ritsu.
A great break by Salem Al Dawsari in the 66th minute came to nothing as he was crowded out and the Saudis continued to struggle to create any clearcut chances.
Kamada played in ITO the 82nd minute and Nawaf Al Aqidi did well to tip the shot over the bar. Three minutes later, substitute MINAMINO Takumi headed just wide from a HATATE Reo cross.
But there was little apparent urgency from both teams and even Japan with all their possession failed to create many clearcut chances.
‘Karting Experience’ inspires Jeddah’s youth ahead of Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025
- Initiative took place over several days in March with the participation of 100 children from various charities
JEDDAH: The Jeddah Corniche Karting Circuit successfully concluded its “Karting Experience” event on Tuesday with the participation of over 100 children from the Al-Bir Charity Organization, the Children with Disability Association, and foster and social welfare families.
The initiative is a part of the Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 social impact community programs, in collaboration with the Saudi Motorsport Co.
It is designed to inspire and educate children from Jeddah’s charity and welfare organizations by introducing them to karting while enhancing their enjoyment and enthusiasm for motorsports.
The event was held across several days in March and was attended by Mansour Al-Mokbel, CEO of the Saudi Motorsport Co. and Jaman Al-Zahrani, assistant director-general for development at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in the Makkah Region.
Also in attendance was Maha Al-Buqami, director of the Social Responsibility Department at the ministry in Makkah.
With a range of activities designed to introduce them to the fundamentals of the sport, the youth were able get behind the wheel and drive the karts and learn about key safety measures.
Al-Mokbel stated: “This initiative allows youth to discover the joy of karting while learning essential skills that could pave the way for new opportunities in their future.”
“We will continue to support initiatives that encourage young people to engage in sports, discover their talents, and contribute to the development of a vibrant and thriving sporting community.
“By introducing young people to motorsport, we are not only fostering their passion but also opening doors for them to become future champions who will represent the Kingdom with pride on the global stage,” he added.
Al-Zahrani stated: “This event truly reflects our commitment to providing children from charitable and social associations with opportunities to participate in exceptional sports, helping them develop key athletic skills while instilling values of resilience, perseverance, and creativity.”
Preparations are currently underway for the Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025, the fifth round of the Formula 1 World Championship, set to be held at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit from April 18 to 20.
Baseball United announces schedule for historic first season in the UAE
- Inaugural series will take place in Dubai from Nov. 14 to Dec. 14
DUBAI: Baseball United, the first professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and Indian subcontinent, has announced the official dates and schedule for its debut season.
The inaugural series will run from Nov. 14 to Dec. 14, with all games played at Baseball United Ballpark in Dubai. Following three signature baseball events over the last three years, Baseball United will now launch the first professional baseball season in the history of the region.
The season will feature the league’s founding four franchises — the Mumbai Cobras, Karachi Monarchs, Arabia Wolves and Mid East Falcons. The teams will each play nine regular season games, facing each other three times each, followed by a best of three United Series from Dec. 12 to determine the league champion. Overall, 21 games will be played over 30 days.
“Our team has worked so hard, for so long, to make this news official,” said Kash Shaikh, Baseball United chairman, CEO and co-founder.
“We are so grateful for the support of our Dubai and UAE partners, our investors and all the fans around the world who’ve helped make BU the most well-known internationally based professional baseball league in the world. We’ve received all that support through several special events and big milestones since our launch in November of 2022. And now, we get to reward our fans with a full season. Everything starts small, but we believe this will be the beginning of a new chapter in baseball history.”
The season will begin with the Subcontinent Series from Nov. 14-16, with the Mumbai Cobras against the Karachi Monarchs. This will mark the first time Indian and Pakistani franchises have faced each other in baseball. The two countries — which between them have a population of some 1.8 billion — have one of the most passionate rivalries in all of sport. The highly anticipated India vs Pakistan cricket match in the ICC Champions Trophy last month garnered a record 600 million viewers — five times more than the Super Bowl.
The league will announce its official broadcast partners this summer, including television and digital streaming that will reach every country.
Baseball United’s recent UAE Series event between the Arabia Wolves and Mid East Falcons was watched by 12 million unique viewers, including 3.3 million per game in Pakistan A Sports. The viewership numbers are more than any Major League Baseball regular season game played in the US last year.
With 2 billion people in the Middle East and South Asia — 1 billion of whom are cricket fans — Baseball United has a massive potential market.
Full rosters for the season will be announced later this spring. To date, 65 percent of Baseball United’s players were originally drafted by MLB teams, including eight-time All-Star Robinson Cano, four-time Gold Glover Andrelton Simmons and three-time World Series Champion, Pablo Sandoval.
Karan Patel — the first player of Indian descent to be drafted by an MLB team and the number one pick by the Mumbai Cobras in the league’s 2023 draft — will pitch for the Cobras, while former Atlanta Braves All-Star Jair Jurrjens will pitch for the Wolves. Each team will have 26 players.
Baseball United built its new ballpark at The Sevens sports and entertainment complex in Dubai in just 38 days last fall. Since then it has hosted the largest international amateur baseball tournament in the region’s history, the Arab Classic, along with last month’s UAE Series.
