October 30 marks 50 years since the iconic 'Rumble in the Jungle,' where champion boxer Muhammad Ali faced George Foreman in Kinshasa. This monumental event not only elevated Ali to global superstar status but also showcased the pride of the Congolese people.
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00:00Fifty years ago, on October 30, 1974, the Tata Rafael Stadium in Kinshasa hosted one
00:07of the most historic events in sports, the legendary Rumble in the Jungle.
00:12That day, Muhammad Ali defeated the formidable world heavyweight champion George Foreman.
00:17Ali's victory propelled him to international icon status and became a profound source of
00:22pride for the global black community.
00:26Toronto Mugombe was just 18 years old when he and his friends witnessed the fight of
00:30the century.
00:31It was a terrible atmosphere.
00:35This century-long fight has shown the greatness of our country.
00:43Fifty years on, every morning, members of a boxing club named in honor of Muhammad Ali
00:47train outside the stadium, preparing before the heat settles over Kinshasa.
00:52The trainer recalls a memorable moment, the visit by Muhammad Ali's wife, a powerful event
00:57that deepened the club's connection to Ali's name and values.
01:17Despite numerous challenges, including limited resources, the enduring legacy of Muhammad
01:22Ali fuels the passion of young boxers.
01:34Fifty years after the Rumble in the Jungle, the impact of this legendary fight still resonates
01:39with boxing fans across the DRC.
01:42For Congolese youth, boxing has become a powerful avenue for self-expression and a pathway to
01:47dreams of global recognition.
01:49The country is gradually gaining recognition in African and international competitions,
01:54represented by boxers like Junior Mokabu and Martin Bakole.
01:58In January 2024, Bakole was even ranked the world's top heavyweight by the World Boxing
02:03Association.