In this photo taken on October 30, 1974 shows the fight between US boxing heavyweight champions, Muhammad Ali (L) (born Cassius Clay) and George Foreman in Kinshasa. Muhammad Ali knocked out George Foreman in a clash of titans known as the “Rumble in the Jungle” watched by 60 000 people in the stadium in Kinshasa and millions elsewhere. AFP PHOTO
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali’s championship belt from his 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” victory over George Foreman has been purchased by Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay for $6.18 million.
Noted memorabilia collector Irsay announced the purchase Sunday on Twitter, saying he was “proud to be the steward” of the historic World Boxing Council belt.
Irsay hinted the item might be shown at an August show of his collection in Chicago as well as in September at Indianapolis.
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
The sale price early Sunday through Heritage Auctions, reported by Sports Collectors Daily, was called among the highest prices ever paid for a sports memorabilia item.
Ali upset previously undefeated Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) with an eighth-round knockout to reclaim the world heavyweight crown.
Ali, who died in 2016 at age 74, kept the WBC crown until losing to Leon Spinks in 1978.