FIFTY years after the iconic ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ captivated the world, Kinshasa is preparing to celebrate Muhammad Ali’s historic victory over then-undefeated champion George Foreman. Organised by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s presidency in partnership with the US Embassy, the anniversary festivities will pay tribute to the October 30, 1974, fight that became a milestone in boxing history and an enduring symbol of resilience and skill.
Ali, the underdog in this bout, used his famed ‘rope-a-dope’ technique to defeat Foreman, regaining the world heavyweight title that had been stripped from him seven years earlier. His victory not only cemented his legacy but also inspired generations of boxers worldwide, particularly in Africa.
Young boxers inspired by Ali’s legacy
Ahead of the main celebrations, Kinshasa hosted the 21st African Amateur Boxing Championship, where about 20 African boxers sparred under the dusky sky, paying homage to Ali’s legendary feat. Tshilombo Mukadi, coach of the Congolese national boxing team, described the anniversary as a deeply meaningful event for the country and a way to honour a pivotal moment in boxing history.
‘The fight of the century is a proud memory for us,’ Mukadi told Reuters. ‘It’s a cause for great celebration for the Congolese because it happened here. This inspires young people not to let this part of history fade.’
Among those in training was Zadia Modestine, a promising boxer from Kinshasa, who admired Ali’s skill and style. “Muhammad Ali was more technical and made an impressive spectacle. We can learn a lot from following his movements,” she said, referencing the techniques Mukadi had taught her.
A global spectacle with deep cultural impact
The Rumble in the Jungle was more than just a boxing match; it was a cultural phenomenon that brought the world’s attention to Kinshasa, a city otherwise known in the West mainly for its turbulent history. The fight saw attendance from global figures, with the event’s theatrical build-up and Ali’s victory celebrated as a defining moment in sports.
For Ali, this win marked his triumphant return to the top, as he reclaimed his title after it was stripped due to his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War. His defiance and eventual triumph in Kinshasa cemented his status as an icon of both athletic prowess and principled courage.
The 50th-anniversary celebrations in Kinshasa are set to honour not only Ali’s unforgettable victory but also the cultural and historical legacy of the fight. For the Congolese and African boxers inspired by Ali’s story, the anniversary is a reminder of the spirit and resilience he embodied—a legacy that continues to inspire fighters worldwide.
Credit: Reuters
