Boxing's Next Big Showdown: Is Africa Ready for Rumble in the Jungle 2

 

There are rumors circulating about “Rumble in the Jungle 2.” Is it about to happen? If so, how will it unfold this time, given the different circumstances that have emerged over the past 50 years since the original Rumble in the Jungle in Kinshasa in 1974?

What was the “Rumble in the Jungle”?

The "Rumble in the Jungle" was a landmark boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman that took place on October 30, 1974, in Kinshasa, Zaire. It was meticulously organized to create a global spectacle. The event was initiated by promoter Don King, who negotiated with Zaire's President Mobutu Sese Seko, envisioning the match as a means to showcase African culture and attract international attention to his country.

To build excitement, extensive promotional efforts included pre-fight press conferences and public appearances by both fighters, who engaged with fans and the media. In the weeks leading up to the event, the organizers transformed the stadium, which accommodated around 60,000 attendees, ensuring it was equipped to handle the influx of international media and spectators.

 

The fight was also accompanied by a series of cultural events, featuring performances from top musicians such as Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Zaiko Langa Langa, James Brown, and B.B. King, creating a festival-like atmosphere that celebrated African heritage. The event was strategically marketed to attract a global audience, leading to an estimated 1 billion viewers who tuned in via television broadcasts.

I believe the time for another global spectacle like the Rumble in the Jungle is ripe. Interest in combat sports like boxing and MMA has increased lately. Unlike the first Rumble, which featured two American heavyweights, this time we have many Africans making their mark in the big leagues, including names like Anthony Joshua, Francis Ngannou, Israel Adesanya, Dricus Du Plessis, and Themba Gorimbo.

Bringing a fight that features any of these fighters to Africa would attract the same, if not more, attention as the 1974 bout between Ali and Foreman. Such an event could also be supported by a musical act, similar to what occurred 50 years ago.

There is no doubt that a fight between Joshua and Fury in Nigeria, or a Ngannou vs. Pereira fight in Cameroon, would be a major success. We need a creative promoter who can work the same magic that Don King conjured in 1974. Perhaps this could be accomplished by His Excellency, Turkish Alashik, following his successes in establishing Riyadh as the new capital of combat sporting events, which has mainly been dominated by Las Vegas.

What also needs to be done is to promote boxing itself in Africa, as it has not been particularly popular lately. This could be the right time to market combat sports on the continent. Additionally, promoting sports tourism could yield not only financial benefits but also a significant social impact.