50 Years Later: the Rumble in the Jungle and Zaire 74
Daily News Newspaper, October 30, 1974 with sub-headline that reads, "Ali KOs Foreman in 8th."
Donated by Henry Korn in 2017.
Ali Shakes Up the World Again
As the eighth round began, it became apparent that Foreman was exhausted. 23 seconds into the round, Ali landed a left-handed punch to Foreman's face after backing him to the ropes, temporarily knocking him out of the ring. For the next minute, Ali tactfully allowed Foreman to aimlessly throw several punches. With around 1:32 left, Ali bolted towards the opposite corner knowing it was near time to strike, as Foreman missed more punches and only landed a few light ones.
As the clock read 20 seconds, Ali ventured towards the center of the ring, hitting Foreman with a barrage of several punches, and then wham! He successfully knocked Foreman to the ground with a two-punch combo, with the second being a right-handed punch to his face. While Foreman began to get up, referee Zack Clayton stopped the fight--Ali won by a knockout.
As the crowd boomed, Ali's conviction to reclaim his World Heavyweight Championship came to fruition. Even though Ali's team, professionals, and fans all doubted that his "rope-a-dope" strategy could be successful, he proved them wrong. By conveying an unwavering sense of conviction and confidence in himself, Ali dethroned one of the hardest punching boxers of his time.
