Marking the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic boxing matches in sporting history, an original programme from the legendary Rumble in the Jungle – the heavyweight bout between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman – will come to auction this September.
Offered as part of the Timed Online Autographs and Memorabilia sale at Chiswick Auctions, the 16-page French-language programme carries an estimate of £2,000 to £3,000. The sale will run from 30 August to 15 September, giving collectors and enthusiasts a chance to acquire a rare memento from a match that changed the world of boxing forever.
Held on 30 October 1974 in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo), the match saw the undefeated world champion George Foreman face Muhammad Ali, who had previously been stripped of his title seven years earlier. Against the odds, Ali won by knockout in the eighth round using his now-famous "rope-a-dope" technique.
Watched by an estimated one billion viewers globally, Rumble in the Jungle became the most viewed live television broadcast of its time and remains one of the greatest moments in boxing history.
Interestingly, the fight was originally scheduled for 25 September 1974 – a fact indicated on surviving ticket stubs – but had to be postponed after Foreman sustained a cut during training. The match was rescheduled to the end of October, adding to the anticipation and tension that surrounded the event.
The Rumble in the Jungle.- Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman
Estimate £2,000 - £3,000
The programme included in this sale is in excellent condition, showing only minor signs of handling. It forms part of the personal collection of Hartmut Scherzer, a respected German sports journalist who attended the match in Kinshasa. Now aged 86, Scherzer has had a remarkable career, having covered every FIFA World Cup since 1962 – a feat that places him among the most experienced reporters in sports history.
This is a unique opportunity to acquire a rare original artefact that captures the spirit and significance of a truly legendary sporting encounter. Its provenance adds a further layer of importance for serious collectors and boxing aficionados alike.
Get in touch with Valentina Borghi, Head of our Autographs & Memorabilia department, at valentina.borghi@chiswickauctions.co.uk or submit an online valuation for a free and confidential appraisal.