Boxing legend Mike Tyson returned to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where he confirmed his ancestral roots trace back to the Central African nation, Ranks Africa reports.
The visit coincided with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle” — the 1974 heavyweight title fight that saw Muhammad Ali triumph over George Foreman.
Tyson’s arrival drew widespread excitement, with fans, local officials, and cultural performers turning out to welcome him “home.”
The former heavyweight champion was received as a prodigal son, symbolically bridging the past and present of African boxing heritage.
Speaking at a ceremony organized to commemorate the golden jubilee of Ali’s legendary victory, Tyson expressed deep pride in reconnecting with his ancestral homeland.
“To stand here in Kinshasa, where one of boxing’s greatest moments took place, feels like coming full circle,” Tyson said. “This land holds power, history, and pride — and I feel it in my spirit.”
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The event — attended by sporting icons, historians, and dignitaries — featured musical performances, traditional dances, and tributes to Muhammad Ali, whose 1974 triumph transcended sport to become a symbol of African resilience and identity.
Organizers of the anniversary celebration said Tyson’s participation added a powerful emotional layer to the occasion, linking generations of boxing greatness.
His discovery of Congolese roots, confirmed through genealogical tracing, further deepened the cultural resonance of his visit.
“Mike Tyson’s return is not just about boxing — it’s about heritage, belonging, and the unbreakable connection between Africa and its global sons and daughters,” said Jean-Claude Mbuyi, a member of the DRC Boxing Federation.
Throughout his stay, Tyson visited key historical sites and met with young Congolese athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with discipline and pride.
The “Rumble in the Jungle”, staged in Kinshasa’s Stade du 20 Mai (now Stade des Martyrs) on October 30, 1974, remains one of the most celebrated sporting events in history.
Ali’s knockout victory in the eighth round over Foreman not only reclaimed his world heavyweight title but also symbolized a moment of unity and pride for postcolonial Africa.
