1974 "The Rumble in the Jungle" Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman Original Painting by LeRoy Neiman from The Don King Collectio...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Auction Preview: Preview items may not have yet been properly described or vetted, and items are posted as soon as they have a description or a picture. We are continuing to add and correct information as we approach the auction posting date, so check back here often and Contact us with any comments or suggestions.
Consign your material with Heritage! Although the Consignment Deadline for this auction has passed, we are always accepting quality consignments.
Track Item
Share this lot
Description
Used to create closed-circuit broadcast posters & programs!
1974 "The Rumble in the Jungle" Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman
Original Painting by LeRoy Neiman from The Don King Collection.
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 two-time belt-holder
aiming for his third trip to the mountain top. Like all
transcendent sporting events, from the 1951 "Shot Heard 'round the
World" to the 1980 "Miracle on Ice," the "Rumble in the Jungle"
captivated the imagination of a 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.We all know how the story played out--for the better part of seven rounds, Muhammad Ali leaned against the ropes in a defensive shell, weathering the whirlwind of punches that rarely found soft flesh, instead glancing off the former Champ's arms and shoulders. This "Rope-a-Dope" strategy worked like a charm, and when Ali sensed that Foreman's aggression was subsiding to exhaustion in the oppressive African heat, he unleashed his own quick fury of blows, sending the Goliath cartwheeling to the canvas for a stunning eighth-round knockout.
Legendary boxing promoter Don King commissioned the greatest sports artist of the era to create this painting to be used in advertising materials for the famous Heavyweight Championship showdown, so if the image seems familiar that's because this LeRoy Neiman work appears on closed-circuit broadcast posters and programs for the bout. A highly-collectible run of serigraphic prints was also released.
But this is the one and only original, an oil on board masterpiece measuring 48x36". Neiman's trademark expressionist style is in full effect, coaxing remarkable detail from the seemingly chaotic bursts of color. Neiman sketched and painted Ali throughout the entirety of his championship era, beginning with his 1964 victory over Sonny Liston, but this work (and the "Thrilla" painting likewise on offer in this Platinum Night auction) is counted among the most recognizable and desirable in the theme.
Framed dimensions are 53x41". Some light age-toning appears on the linen mat surrounding the painting but the effect is minimal and the artwork otherwise presents without any visual distractions of note.
Guide Value or Estimate: $400,000 - up.
Auction Info
2026 February 28 - March 1 Winter Platinum Night Sports Catalog Auction #50083 (go to Auction Home page)
Bidding Begins Approx.
February
6th
Friday
Auction Dates
Feb-Mar
28th-1st
Saturday-Sunday
Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
13 Days
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: N/A
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 31
Auction Type
Signature Internet Extended Bid: These Auctions are presented via catalog and online. Bidding is taken through our website or via phone. There are two phases of bidding during this type of auction: 1) Normal bidding: Bids are taken up until 10 PM CT the night the auction closes. 2) 30 Minute Ending: On a lot-by-lot basis, starting at 10:00 PM CT, any person who has bid on the lot previously may continue to bid on that lot until there are no more bids for 30 minutes. For example, if you bid on a lot during Normal Bidding, you could participate during Extended Bidding for that lot, but not on lots you did not bid on previously. If a bid was placed at 10:15, the new end time for that lot would become 10:45. If no other bids were placed before 10:45, the lot would close. If you are the high bidder on a lot, changing your bid will not extend the bidding during the 30 Minute Ending phase (only a bid from another bidder will extend bidding). If you are the only bidder at 10 PM, you will automatically win the lot at 10:30. Important: After normal bidding ends, you must be signed-on to the Heritage site to see the bidding option on lots where you qualify for extended bidding and you must be on an individual lot page to reflect the accurate time remaining for that particular lot.
Signature Internet Extended Bid: These Auctions are presented via catalog and online. Bidding is taken through our website or via phone. There are two phases of bidding during this type of auction: 1) Normal bidding: Bids are taken up until 10 PM CT the night the auction closes. 2) 30 Minute Ending: On a lot-by-lot basis, starting at 10:00 PM CT, any person who has bid on the lot previously may continue to bid on that lot until there are no more bids for 30 minutes. For example, if you bid on a lot during Normal Bidding, you could participate during Extended Bidding for that lot, but not on lots you did not bid on previously. If a bid was placed at 10:15, the new end time for that lot would become 10:45. If no other bids were placed before 10:45, the lot would close. If you are the high bidder on a lot, changing your bid will not extend the bidding during the 30 Minute Ending phase (only a bid from another bidder will extend bidding). If you are the only bidder at 10 PM, you will automatically win the lot at 10:30. Important: After normal bidding ends, you must be signed-on to the Heritage site to see the bidding option on lots where you qualify for extended bidding and you must be on an individual lot page to reflect the accurate time remaining for that particular lot.
Sales Tax information
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms