#4 When Muhammad Ali was disappointed in Big George
Trending
The ‘Rumble in the Jungle’, held in Zaire in 1974, was perhaps the most anticipated heavyweight bouts in years.
Stripped of his titles due to his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War, Ali was finally challenging for the title that he'd never lost in the ring.
Nobody thought Ali could win as he older, slower and clearly past his prime. Foreman, in stark contrast, was at the peak of his career with a 40-0 (37 KOs) record.
Of course, Ali had other ideas as he thoroughly out-boxed Foreman. More importantly, Ali's typical mind-games played their part.
At the end of one particular round, Ali leaned close to Foreman and said, “They told me you could punch, George. They told me you could punch as hard as Joe Louis!”
The rest is the stuff boxing folklore is made of: Foreman was knocked out in round eight as Ali regained the Heavyweight Championship of the World.
Chicago Bulls Fan? Check out the latest Chicago Bulls depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.
