Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has returned to the Democratic Republic of Congo half a century after the legendary “Rumble in the Jungle”, the bout that transformed boxing history. His visit coincides with the 51st anniversary of that confrontation that united Africa and sport under the same emotion.
Tyson landed in Kinshasa to pay tribute to the legacy of Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, the stars of the night that put Zaire - now DRC - at the centre of the world map in 1974. With his usual energy, the New Yorker toured the sites linked to the fight and shared moments with young local boxers, whom he encouraged to “keep alive the passion” that inspired millions. The boxer was welcomed by President Felix Tshisekedi.
During his stay, the former boxer also met with Congolese authorities and sports representatives interested in promoting boxing as a tool for social development and youth training. Tyson highlighted the warmth of the Congolese people and expressed his desire to “contribute to the future of African boxing”.
The return of the former champion is not only nostalgic. It symbolises the bridge between two eras: that of the heroes of the ring and that of the new talents looking to break through from Africa. In Tyson's own words, the “Rumble in the Jungle” was not just a fight, but “a lesson in courage and hope that still resonates”.
With this visit, the former champion reaffirms his connection to the spiritual roots of boxing and to a continent that, half a century later, continues to inspire the biggest names in world sport.
Source: as.com; abs-cbn.com