Top 5 Most Iconic Boxing Matches That Took Place in Africa
George Foreman vs. Muhammad Ali
The famous Rumble in the Jungle took place in Kinshasa, Congo in 1974 for the World heavyweight championship.
The match saw Muhammad Ali square off against George Foreman, a 25-year-old boxer who was considered the favourite because of his impressive 40-fight winning streak. Muhammad Ali won via an eighth-round knockout against all odds.
Lennox Lewis vs. Hasim Rahman
Lennox Lewis, the unified WBC, IBF, IBO, and lineal champion, fought Hasim Rahman in a heavyweight professional boxing match held on April 22, 2001, in Brakpan, South Africa.
Hasim Rahman, the underdog, shocked the world by knocking out the reigning champion in the fifth round, marking one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
Dick Tiger vs Gene Fulmer
After two prior matches, Dick Tiger and Gene Fullmer engaged in a third and final fight at the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan in 1963. Tiger successfully defended his world middleweight title against Fullmer in his home country with a 7th round TKO win.
This event was historic, as it was the first world title match ever held in Africa, outside of South Africa. Nigeria, facing political instability found unity in supporting their champion Dick Tiger during that period.
Gerrie Coetzee vs. John Tate
In 1979, John Tate secured the vacant WBA heavyweight title in South Africa, triumphing over Gerrie Coetzee by unanimous decision.
After his win, Tate was due for a fight with Muhammad Ali. However, the expected bout with never materialized because Ali preferred a match with Larry Holmes instead.
Victor Galindez vs. Pierre Fourie
On April 7, 1975, Victor Galindez of Argentina defended his WBA light heavyweight title in Johannesburg against South Africa’s Pierre Fourie.
Galindez overcame the odds after sustaining cut in the middle of the fight to win a decision over the hometown fighter after 15 rounds.