Muhammad Ali’s WBC Heavyweight World Title Sells At Auction
Muhammad Ali’s WBC heavyweight world title, which he won in his victory over George Forman in 1974’s “Rumble in the Jungle”, has sold at auction for $6.18million.
In 1974, Foreman was still the dominant unbeaten 40-0 champion.
Before this fight, he had destroyed Joe Frazier inside two rounds to claim the WBA, WBC and Ring Magazine belts. Frazier had previously defended the belts successfully against Ali, although Ali was able to get revenge by split decision in a rematch.
The “Rumble in the Jungle”, was held in Kinshasa, Zaire, where Ali used his famous ‘rope-a-dope’ to defeat Foreman in the eight round.
Ali’s win over Foreman is still one of the most famous upset victories of all time.
On Sunday, the WBC belt Ali won from this historic match sold at auction for $6.18million.
The winner was Jim Irsay, owner 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’s
championship 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