Rumble In The Jungle

On Oct. 30, 1974, in Kinshasa, Zaire's Mai 20 Stadium, then-heavyweight champion and undefeated George Foreman defended his title against Muhammad Ali (44-2) in a bout that would go down as one of the greatest sporting events in history. Here are some of the best shots -- leading up to, during and after -- the famed "Rumble in the Jungle."

Foreman and Ali spent much of the summer of 1974 training in Zaire, where president Mobuto Sese Seko asked the fight be held, hoping to reap the benefits of the fight's publicity.

After refusing to enter the draft in 1967, Ali was suspended from boxing for more than three years. When he returned to the ring in 1970, he claimed two victories before falling short against titleholder Joe Frazier in the "Fight of the Century" in 1971. The bout with Foreman was Ali's chance to regain the WBA and WBC belts.

Foreman, who owned a flawless 40-0 record with 37 KOs, was a far-and-away favorite, even in the eyes of Ali's longtime supporter, Howard Cosell.

Ali used his extended time in Zaire -- the bout was postponed after Foreman suffered a cut on his head during training -- to open up to media.

Ali also took time to show Foreman his fist, many times over.

While Ali acquired two losses in his four bouts with Joe Frazier and Ken Norton, Foreman had defeated both: Norton by KO in his fight prior to "Rumble in the Jungle," and Frazier by TKO on Jan. 22, 1973. Foreman was also six years removed from winning an Olympic gold medal.

Foreman took on Ali after two successful defenses since claiming the title in 1973.

Among the many stars in attendance were, of course, Ali's parents, Cassius and Marcellus Clay.

Just as he announced his plan to trainer Angelo Dundee and fans ahead of time, Ali continued to talk during the fight, talking trash to Foreman during every clinch.

While Foreman was known for his power, Ali was known for his speed -- an asset he took advantage of with repeated right-hand leads in the opening round.

Foreman continued to spray Ali with punches.

By the start of the second round, Ali's game plan was beginning to unfold: He began lying on the ropes, where he absorbed Foreman's punches without any counterattack. Ali latter coined his style "rope-a-dope."

After several rounds of punching, Foreman began to tire and Ali capitalized on his fatigue.

With his final combination in the eighth round, Ali delivered a left hook and a hard right to send Foreman to the canvas.

That right hand proved to be it for Foreman, who swirled around the ring before landing on his back.

When he got back up, it was too late.

After eight grueling rounds, Ali was named victor by knockout.

After taking heat for his losses to Norton and Frazier, Ali had achieved the impossible.

The fight was a victory for promoter Don King, who had signed each fighter to a $5 million contract.

"Heavyweight champion of the world," Ali said after the win. "It's going to take about a week to sink in."