George Foreman‘s demise 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 group.

TMZ Sports activities lately 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 liked.

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

“You see the financial degree the place we come from. All of the obstacles which are 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 feel that is one thing that we actually love about his journey.”

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

“I used to be simply amazed at how massive he was. How robust,” Tillman Jr. instructed 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 grew to become a minister that kind of modified. Simply being round him I noticed which you can change. You generally is a higher individual.”