Muhammad Ali’s WBC heavyweight world title belt won in 1974 ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ victory over George Foreman sells at auction for $6.18million

07/25/2022 05:56 AM

Muhammad Ali’s WBC heavyweight world title that he won in his 1974 fight with George Foreman has sold at auction for $6.18million (£5.13million). The historic boxing belt was claimed by the sport’s greatest legend in one of the most famous upset victories of all time. Ali’s belt sold for $6.18millionHeritage Auctions Foreman stood as the dominant unbeaten 40-0 champion in 1974. He’d previously destroyed Joe Frazier inside two rounds to claim the WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine belts. Prior to this, Frazier had defended the belts by beating Ali, though Ali was able to get revenge by split decision in a rematch. Despite this victory, few gave him a chance heading into the fight with Foreman, who was clearly at the peak of his powers. Both men travelled to Kinshasa, Zaire for what would be known as the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’. Incredibly, Ali knocked out Foreman after using his famous ‘rope-a-dope’ strategy to soak up all of his opponent’s pressure before surprising him with a devastating combination which floored him in round eight. Ali held the belt for four years Now, 48 years on, the legacy of this bout is still thriving. On Sunday, the WBC belt Ali won in the triumph sold at auction for $6.18million (£5.13million). The winner of the auction was NFL team owner Jim Irsay, who owns the Indianapolis Colts. Irsay tweeted on Sunday: “Muhammad Ali’s championship belt from 1974 ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ when he employed his rope-a-dope and defeated George Foreman – just added [to] @IrsayCollection. “Proud to be the steward!” BREAKING—-Muhammad Ali’schampionship belt from 1974 ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ when he employed his rope-a-dope and defeated George Foreman—-just added to @IrsayCollection Just in time for the Aug. 2 show at Chicago’s Navy Pier (and Sept. 9 at Indy). Proud to be the steward! pic.twitter.com/REJOGV1Cwq— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) July 24, 2022 OFFER OF THE DAY Bet365: Bet £10 on any sport, get £50 in free bets* CLAIM HERE Open account offer. Bet £10 & Get £50 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply 18+ Begambleaware.org