Fifty years after the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle,” Kinshasa prepares to celebrate this iconic boxing event.
The anniversary will commemorate the unforgettable match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, which took place on October 30, 1974.
Ali, the underdog, triumphed over the then-undefeated Foreman in a bout that inspired many.
The match transformed the perception of boxing and influenced countless aspiring athletes worldwide.
In anticipation of the anniversary, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s presidency and the U.S. Embassy are organizing festivities.
Recently, about 20 boxers from across Africa gathered in Kinshasa to honor the fight’s legacy.
They sparred at a local sports ground during the 21st African Amateur Boxing Championship.
Tshilombo Mukadi, coach of Congo’s national boxing team, emphasized the importance of this historical event.
“The fight of the century is a great memory for us,” he said. “It’s a cause for great celebration for the Congolese because it happened here.”
Mukadi also highlighted the impact of Ali’s victory on young people today. “We encourage them not to erase history,” he noted.
Among the boxers training at the ground was Zadia Modestine from Kinshasa. She praised Ali’s technical prowess, stating, “Muhammad Ali was more technical and made an impressive spectacle.”
The original fight drew many prominent figures to a nation often associated with instability.
In reclaiming his world title, Ali solidified his legendary status. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of boxers around the globe.
