The legendary boxing match known as the “Rumble in the Jungle” is being commemorated 50 years after Muhammad Ali faced George Foreman for the world heavyweight championship. The historic bout took place on October 30, 1974, in Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo, and drew an audience of 60,000 at the Stade Tata Raphaël in Kinshasa, with millions more watching globally.
Grossing an estimated $100 million at the time—equivalent to about $600 million today—Ali’s stunning victory remains one of the greatest upsets in boxing history. This fight not only solidified Ali’s reputation as “The Greatest,” but also highlighted the geopolitical backdrop, including the influence of dictator Mobutu Sese Seko in facilitating the event.
The enduring legacy of the match has been captured in the Academy Award-winning documentary When We Were Kings and Norman Mailer’s acclaimed book The Fight, ensuring that the story of this monumental clash continues to captivate audiences. As we mark this milestone, the “Rumble in the Jungle” remains a defining moment in sports history.
