Rumble in the Jungle with Muhammad Ali was special

Former opponent George Foreman has described his iconic ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ fight with Muhammad Ali as special following the death of the three-time world heavyweight champion on Friday night.

Ali died in Phoenix, Arizona after being admitted to hospital with respiratory issues earlier in the week after a three decade battle with Parkinsons disease.

In their 1974 bout, Ali claimed the world heavyweight title from Foreman for a third and final time at the age of 32, with 25-year-old Foreman the heavy favourite with a feared reputation.

The pair were lifelong friends and since Ali’s death Foreman has described the loss as ‘a piece of himself’ dying.