Boxing promoter Don King (in white, from left), Congolese President Mobutu Sese Seko, and Ali. BBC
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), 1974
Formerly known as Zaire, the Democratic Republic of Congo was the setting of Muhammad Ali’s epic “Rumble in the Jungle” match against George Foreman. The fight was orchestrated by boxing promoter Don King and sponsored by Zairian leader Mobutu Sese Seko.
The widely hyped fight marked 32-year-old Ali’s return to Africa after 10 years. He was clearly the crowd favorite of the two African-American fighters when he landed in the Congo. Hordes of Congolese admirers cheered him on non-stop throughout his three-month stay up to the morning of his eventual victory.
Ali looks on as Foreman struggles to regain consciousness. Photo credit: BBC
