Michael Moorer — one of many few males who stood toe-to-toe in a boxing ring with George Foreman — tells TMZ Sports activities he is heartbroken over the boxing legend’s demise … making it clear the pugilist might be sorely missed.

We sat down with Moorer on Monday — simply three days after Foreman’s household revealed the ex-heavyweight champ handed away at 76 years outdated — and it wasn’t laborious to inform he was crushed to be taught of the information.

Moorer known as Foreman “a delicate big” … and added that he’ll all the time bear in mind him as “an important individual.”

“It was stunning,” the previous fighter mentioned of George’s demise. “I did not consider it was true at first … It was devastating.”

Moorer and Foreman fought method again in 1994 — and Moorer was thought of an enormous favourite on the time. And, for a lot of the matchup, he dominated … however within the tenth spherical, Foreman knocked him out with an enormous proper hand and took his championship belt.

Moorer — who mentioned he wanted 32 stitches in his lip to repair the harm the KO punch induced — held no ill-will towards Foreman in wake of the defeat … the truth is, he mentioned the 2 remained phone associates over time.

He bought the possibility to meet up with Foreman at a 2023 screening of the “Huge George Foreman” biopic … and advised us he was thrilled his son bought the possibility to snap a photograph with the legend whereas on the occasion.

Foreman’s household said he died “peacefully” whereas “surrounded by family members.” A reason for demise has not but been revealed.