The Tyson Fury–Oleksandr Usyk ‘Reignited’ is just around the corner. Seven months after their first match, the two heavyweights will meet at Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena once again. Understandably, Fury wants to even the score. However, there’s a slight shift in the goalpost. Unlike the last time, when they squared up for the undisputed championship, on Saturday night, the duo will slug it out for the unified titles, currently held by Usyk.

Weeks after he became the century’s first undisputed heavyweight titleholder, the Ukrainian champion vacated the IBF title that Daniel Dubois subsequently secured. Given its historic significance, the May 18 showdown rolled out the red carpet for a few commemorative belts. Mauricio Sulaiman got the WBC belt blessed at the Holy See. With the Fury-Usyk rematch approaching, the WBC president kept up with the tradition and unveiled a new belt. Given its association with a momentous piece of boxing history, the gesture has gained considerable significance.

Etching a chapter into the legacy

“Meet the Rumble in the Jungle 50th Anniversary Commemorative belt, the iconic WBC heavyweight championship between Muhammad Ali vs. George Foreman, designed and created in the heart of Africa,” read Mauricio Sulaiman’s tweet. He further shared that it will be awarded to the winner of the rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk that will unfold in Kingdom Arena this Saturday.

On October 30, the boxing world celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the historic clash between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Titled ‘Rumble in the Jungle’, it is often hailed as the ‘greatest sporting event of the 20th century,’ Four years after he resumed boxing, Muhammad Ali defeated ‘Big’ George Foreman in front of over sixty thousand spectators at the Stade du 20 Mai. Millions watched the match on their television sets. As he became a world champion for the second time, Ali received the WBC, WBA, and the Ring titles.

It’s been eight years since ‘The Greatest’ left the world. George Foreman will turn 76 on January 10. However, the echoes of the fight that took place in Kinshasa still resonate across the boxing world.

What happened to the original ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ belt?

Two years ago, CNN shared a story about the original ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ WBC belt awarded to Muhammad Ali. Reportedly, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay purchased this invaluable piece of boxing history at an auction for $6.18 million. Incidentally, the millionaire businessman has an impressive collection of Ali memorabilia, including the shoes Ali wore during the iconic ‘Thrilla in Manila’ fight against Joe Frazier. Additionally, he proudly owns the walkout robe ‘The Greatest’ wore during his rematch with Sonny Liston.

To honor the legends and celebrate another epic modern-day fight, the WBC’s move to mark the December 21 Riyadh Season event as a culturally defining moment in boxing history will undoubtedly elevate its prestige among fans and followers.

What do the commemorative belts mean to you as a boxing fan? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.