1974 Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman "Rumble in the Jungle" Ultra-Rare Massive On-Site Fight Poster....

Click the image to load the highest resolution version.

Sold on Jul 23, 2022 for:

$7,500.00 Bid Source: Internet bidder

Get one of these:

Share this lot

Track Item Printable Auction Results

Sell One of These

Description

Auction Info

Guides & Info

Description

1974 Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman "Rumble in the Jungle" Ultra-Rare Massive On-Site Fight Poster. It's arguably the most famous bout in boxing history, a dramatic battle in Kinshasa, Zaire pitting the seemingly irresistible ferocity of reigning Heavyweight Champion George Foreman against the wily resurgence of underdog Ali, a former Champion charting his return to the sport's mountain top after having been stripped of his belt seven years earlier. But far more than simple athletic supremacy was at stake as the world turned its eyes to the Dark Continent. The "Rumble in the Jungle" captivated the imagination of an American populace deeply divided in its allegiances, in this case mostly related to perceptions regarding Ali's patriotism in light of his controversial Vietnam War stance, and the relative "authentic blackness" of the two combatants.

On-site posters are particularly scarce in the collectibles hobby, as one might expect for delicate paper items deriving from a poor nation half a world and four decades away. The presented specimen, however, is the rarest format from that narrow supply, known to exist in a quantity no greater than five.

With dimensions of 46x74", this a towering display that seems only fitting for the enormity of the occasion. The condition is truly spectacular, with the important hand-applied date edit on front and what is surely linen-backing on verso, which has flattened all original fold lines to near invisibility. Framed dimensions are 81x52". It would be hard to imagine that this is anything other than the finest surviving example. Letter of provenance from Troy Kinunen.