Rumble in the jungle belt

On October 30th, 1974, one of the greatest sporting events in history unfolded under the searing heat of a velvet African night, in the heart of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo): The Rumble in the Jungle, presented by Don King.

It was a magical, unforgettable, and dramatic fight in which Muhammad Ali, at thirty-two, reclaimed the World Boxing Council title by knocking out the formidable, undefeated twenty-five-year-old powerhouse, George Foreman, in Kinshasa.

From the very first round, Ali surprised Foreman with a booming straight right to the forehead. Then, he changed strategy, conserving his energy, leaning on the ropes, and forcing George to fight at close range. This ingenious tactic, later called the rope-a-dope, allowed Ali to counterpunch while defending with masterful skill.

Time after time, Ali stung Foreman with crisp, snapping right hands to the face, while his catlike reflexes enabled him to parry and deflect the younger champion’s relentless assault. Foreman, in turn, pounded Ali’s body with thunderous blows, but the extreme heat and humidity slowly drained his energy.

By round five, George appeared dominant, but in the final thirty seconds, Ali spun off the ropes and landed sharp, jolting punches that stunned his opponent. It was a preview of round eight—when Ali unleashed a brilliant five-punch combination: a left hook set up the moment, a short right hand sent Foreman to the canvas. As Foreman fell, Ali poised to strike again but showed restraint. Referee Zack Clayton counted Foreman out. Just minutes later, as if on cue, the heavens opened with a torrential downpour. Muhammad Ali was champion of the world once more—having accomplished the seemingly impossible by defeating “Big George” Foreman.