Fatshimetrie in Kinshasa: A look back at the legendary boxing match between Mohamed Ali and George Foreman 50 years ago
Fifty years ago, on October 30, 1974, the Kinshasa arena vibrated to the rhythm of the steps of two boxing giants, Mohamed Ali and George Foreman. This legendary fight, nicknamed “The Fight of the Century”, marked history not only for its sporting intensity, but also for the role it played in shining the spotlight on Zaire, now the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Under the leadership of Marshal Mobutu Sese Seko, the country mobilized to host this world-class event. The colossal resources deployed to organize this titanic duel propelled Zaire onto the international stage, offering an unprecedented showcase to this country then in full effervescence.
The fight originally scheduled for September 30 was postponed to October 30 due to an injury to George Foreman. This setback only increased the anticipation and excitement surrounding this fight that promised to be epic.
The tense negotiations led by the famous promoter Don King for the fees of the two boxers, five million dollars each, highlighted the scale and exceptional dimension of this sporting event.
Fifty years later, the memory of this fight remains vivid in the minds of boxing fans and sports enthusiasts. To relive these unique moments, what could be better than listening to the enlightening testimony of Pierre Célestin Kabala Muana Mbuyi, a member of the organizing committee at the time?
Today, Mohamed Ali has been resting in peace since 2016, leaving behind an invaluable legacy in the world of boxing. George Foreman, meanwhile, is still with us, at the age of 75, a true preacher of his own story and his extraordinary journey.
As the years go by, the fight in Kinshasa continues to resonate as a symbol of courage, tenacity and determination. It remains a pillar of boxing history and an essential reference in the field of combat sports. Through the stories and memories it evokes, it embodies the grandeur and brilliance of an unforgettable moment, where two legends faced each other for eternity.