Muhammad Ali recorded ‘greatest result’ in boxing history as he knocked out legendary heavyweight in monumental upset victory

Muhammad Ali produced arguably the most compelling performance of his illustrious career to dethrone murderous puncher George Foreman back in 1974.

‘The Greatest’ entered his legendary contest in Kinshasa as an almighty underdog, with all of Foreman’s previous eight stoppages arriving before the third round.

By this point, ‘Big George’ had forged one of the most formidable unbeaten runs in boxing history, dispatching the likes of Joe Frazier and Ken Norton in ruthless fashion.

And yet, Muhammad Ali was nonetheless convinced that, in whichever way possible, he would reclaim the WBC heavyweight title he lost to Frazier three years prior.

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Photo by UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty ImagesMuhammad Ali KOs George Foreman in an enthralling Rumble in the Jungle spectacleAli had outpointed Frazier through 12 rounds in the second edition of their iconic trilogy prior to his eagerly anticipated showdown with Foreman.

Before that, though, the Olympic gold medallist had suffered his second professional defeat at the hands of Norton, despite bravely battling through a broken jaw.

And while he did, in fact, avenge the loss after edging a split decision in their immediate rematch, his performance certainly lacked the impetus that was swiftly becoming synonymous with Foreman’s career.

Foreman, on the other hand, had annihilated Frazer when they collided in Jamaica, flooring his shorter and stockier opponent six times before halting proceedings in the second round.

Against Norton, too, the pulverizing puncher’s relentless pressure proved too much for the decorated former champion, who ultimately succumbed to a ferocious onslaught in, once again, the second round.

And so, it was clear that, heading into their mouthwatering clash in Africa, Foreman was the man who nearly everyone expected to emerge victorious.

But then, as the pair finally locked horns, it swiftly became evident that Ali had chosen to adopt a bold but brilliant gameplan, relying on his granite chin to soak up a punishing spell in the early rounds.

Soon, the captivating American began to take over – after absorbing his fair share of haymakers – before stopping a fatigued Foreman with a stunning eighth-round finish.

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Photo by Ken Regan /Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty ImagesTony Bellew celebrates the 50th anniversary of George Foreman vs Muhammad AliFifty years on from their thrilling encounter, former cruiserweight world champion Tony Bellew has branded Ali’s victory as the “greatest result of any boxer.”

50 years ago to the day that Muhammad Ali went to Kinshasa and dethroned the great George Foreman against all the odds!

I believe it’s the greatest result of any boxer in any division considering what Foreman did to Frazier and Norton previously..

The people who like boxing… pic.twitter.com/Dz7o83vxKX

— Tony Bellew (@TonyBellew) October 30, 2024 View Tweet

The Brit equally acknowledges the profound impact that “When We Were Kings,” one of the greatest sports documentaries ever made, had on American society at the time.

But, perhaps more than that, the documentary film will always be remembered for perfectly capturing the intensity and magnitude of Foreman and Ali’s dustup.