In the jungled world of Zaire, formerly known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, forty-one years ago today, October 30, 1974, one of the greatest sports moments of my life took place.
Kinshasa, Zaire.
The Greatest, Muhammad Ali.
Against the sledgehammer, George Foremean, Heavyweight Champion of the World.
For the title.
Closed circuit. $24.75 / ticket. Arena seating. Motion picture screen. Horrific reception.
NO one cared. NO one! Ali was going after the title again…that’s all that mattered in those days.
Things to watch for in the following video:
- Speed of Ali’s right hand (he NEVER got enough credit for it);
- Punishment that Ali adsorbed by his rope-a-dope;
- Damage done to Foreman’s face as the fight goes on;
- Amount of trash-talking by Ali to Foreman.
Classy Foreman –
There is / was / never will be another Ali, or a “Rumble in the Jungle.”
Lobster on the Prairie 