Top 5 best moments in boxing history

5. Muhammad Ali KOs George Foreman, regains heavyweight title

Today, most people aren’t surprised that Muhammad Ali knocked out George Foreman in what’s famously referred to as “The Rumble in the Jungle.”

Back in 1974, it was quite a shock.

Ali was stripped of his heavyweight crown in 1967 after refusing induction into the Army. He spent three years out of boxing and was reinstated by all boxing commissions after winning his court case in the Supreme Court. It was a big win for Ali, but it didn’t give him his titles back.

Frazier became champion in Ali’s absence and defeated Ali in their 1971 showdown. Ali wanted a rematch, but plans changed when Foreman destroyed Frazier inside of two rounds, knocking him down six times.

Foreman’s and Ali’s performances against Frazier were compared when they signed on to fight in Zaire for the heavyweight title. Most thought Ali didn’t have a chance, and he was a heavy underdog.

In the early moments of the fight, Ali stayed on the ropes, and big Foreman pounded away. Foreman punched himself out by round 8, and Ali jumped on him, scoring a combination that put the exhausted Foreman out for the count.

Ali regained the title that had been taken away seven years earlier. It was an improbable comeback, but Ali became a hero in Zaire and around the world. His comeback was legendary and endeared him to fans worldwide. It’s arguably the defining moment in Ali’s boxing career.