Why the Event Was so Special?
The fight was initially tagged “ From the Slave Ship to the Championship!” by promoter Don King. However, Zaire’s president heard and ordered all posters burn down. It was the first heavyweight championship match staged in Africa. It was also sponsored by the president of the West African republic (Mobutu SeseSeko) who promised to pay 5 million dollars each to the fighters if they show up. The fight was staged to showcase the rich and beautiful natural resources of Africa to the world.
(Original Caption) Muhammad Ali versus George Foreman heavyweight title bout. Slide shows Ali (white trunks) leaning back while Foreman leans forward.
Muhammad Ali saw the fight as a way to establish a relationship between black Americans and Africans, eliminate racial issues and Vietnam. A music festival (Zaire 74) which lasted three nights was held to promote the fight. The festival featured artists like James Brown, Celia Cruz , and the Fania All-Stars, B.B. King, Miriam Makeba, The Spinners, Bill Withers, The Crusaders , and Manu Dibango .