George Foreman‘s dying remains to be being felt within the boxing world … and now the filmmaker behind the “Huge George Foreman” biopic is opening up on the late-heavyweight champ’s impression, particularly amongst the Black neighborhood.

TMZ Sports activities not too long ago spoke with George Tillman Jr., the person who not solely directed but additionally co-wrote the movie that was launched in mid-2023 … a film most followers beloved.

Tillman Jr. and Foreman got here to know one another nicely … and with the dying of Huge George, we requested in regards to the legacy the larger-than-life determine leaves behind.

“You see the financial stage the place we come from. All of the obstacles which might be in entrance of us. George dropped out [of school] very early on, joined the Peace Corps. All these issues, he is ours. He is the place we come from when it comes to being African American,” Tillman Jr. defined, including … “and attempting to beat all these obstacles, the concept of resilience, and I believe that is one thing that we actually love about his journey.”

GT Jr. additionally informed the story of assembly Foreman for the primary time.

“I used to be simply amazed at how large he was. How robust,” Tillman Jr. informed us.

However, for as bodily imposing as he was, Foreman was a candy and caring man.

“That was my first expertise, however I say how mild he was. He invited me right down to Houston, and that was the start of him driving me round to the place he got here from, and the way he got here from rags to riches,” Tillman Jr. defined.

Because the film Tillman Jr. made defined, Foreman handled anger points as a younger man … however that modified when he discovered God, one thing the director applauds.

“[Anger’s] one thing he handled all his life, and it is one thing that when he turned a minister that kind of modified. Simply being round him I noticed that you would be able to change. You could be a higher particular person.”