A staccato of punches followed by a lightning right exploded on the jaw of George Foreman, sending him tumbling to the canvas in the eighth round on October 30, 1974 in DR Congo’s capital city, Kinshasa.
The world watched in awe. What a big upset it was!
The venue was at the 20th of May Stadium (now Tata Raphael Stadium or Father Raphael Stadium) where the late legendary Muhammad Ali reclaimed the world heavyweight title with a stunning eighth round KO over the previously unbeaten big-punching George Foreman whom bookmakers tipped to beat Ali.
Foreman was unbeaten in 40 fights and had KO’d big names such as Joe Frazier and Ken Norton.
Few boxing analysts gave Ali a chance to defeat the ruthless Foreman. Some critics even said Ali was risking his life.
Tomorrow the boxing fraternity here in Kinshasa and elsewhere in the world will mark the 50th Anniversary of this greatest sporting event in the 20th century. It was beamed live to over 50 million viewers, attended by an estimated 60,000 fans and grossed $100,000.
Zaire (now DR Congo) President Mobutu Sese Seko sponsored the fight with both boxers each receiving $5million. He had been requested to chip in by promoter Don King.
Ali arrived in Kinshasa first on September 10, 1974 with an entourage of 30 people aboard Mobutu’s private plane followed by Foreman the following day.
Originally scheduled for September 24, the fight was postponed to October 30, 1974, after Foreman sustained a deep gash above his right eye. The cut needed 11 stitches. Today I’m visiting the Papa Raphael Stadium here in Kinshasa to interview various boxing stakeholders.
Were you born by then and how did you monitor this historic spectacle in Africa?
Credit: AFBC Communications
