Muhammad Ali’s cornerman debunks rope myth in ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ with George Foreman

Muhammad Ali’s cornerman gives insight into the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ bout with George Foreman, denying any tampering with the ring.

With the WBC World Heavyweight title on the line, Ali and Foreman would come together in what would end up being one of the most famous boxing fights of all time.

Ali’s win in Africa was one of the key moments that helped define him as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.

Foreman, the defending champion, held a professional record of 40-0 going into the bout.

Meanwhile, Ali was coming into the fight following his second meeting with Joe Frazier, whom he defeated via unanimous decision.

Known for Ali’s utilization of the ropes, the bout has been subject to conspiracy regarding the preparation of the ring.

Muhammad Ali’s cornerman denies rope conspiracy theory

Following the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’, fans began to speculate that the ropes had been loosened before the bout, allowing Ali to use them defensively.

Leaning back on the ropes, Ali was able to take some of the force out of Foreman’s punches, who looked exhausted trying to hit ‘The Greatest’.

The ‘Rope-a-Dope’ technique was synonymous with Ali, however, speculation of the ropes being loosened before the Foreman bout was shot down by cornerman Angelo Dundee.

Dundee, speaking to Boxing 24/7, said in response to the ropes being loosened: “No, that’s not true at all.”

“I went to inspect the right that day… at 4 pm – Bobby Goodman and I, and we tried to tighten the ropes. They were 24-foot ropes for a 20-foot ring. It wasn’t easy, but we tightened them, not figuring on the heat in Zaire. The fight wasn’t until 4 am the next morning, and the heat loosened the ropes again.”

Dundee would add that he didn’t want Ali to lay on the ropes at all. “As a matter of fact, I whacked him on his butt whenever he did lay on the ropes! That ring was six feet off the ground, and I was so worried that Foreman would hit my guy in the chest and knock him out of the ring. If that happened, the fight would have been over with.”

• READ MORE: Muhammad Ali’s legendary boxing career started with a $60 stolen bike and ended with multi-million dollar paydays

Muhammad Ali’s ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ victory started new title reign

Ali would face a ban from boxing in 1967, losing his world title in the process. It wouldn’t be until 1971 when ‘The Greatest’ would get the chance to reclaim his crown. However, his first meeting with Joe Frazier would end in defeat.

15 fights following the loss, Ali was given another chance at a World Heavyweight title. Winning 14 of those 15 fights, a bout with Foreman was set up for the WBC Heavyweight belt.

Winning the fight via 8th round knockout, the victory would be the start of a new reign for Ali.

After the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’, Ali would win 10 straight, with 9 of those bouts involving the heavyweight title.

Ali’s winning streak would eventually be snapped by Leon Spinks, who defeated the champion via split decision. However, Ali would avenge this loss seven months later.

The Spinks rematch would end up being Ali’s last professional win.