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12 Photos That Defined Mohammad Ali’s Love For Africa

12 Photos That Defined Mohammad Ali’s Love For Africa

The iconic U.S. heavyweight boxer died on June 3 at the age of 74, and we’re remembering Mohammad Ali’s love for Africa.

Ali was one of the most celebrated sporting figures in the 20th century and had a connection with Africa that was deep, meaningful, long term and way ahead of its time for an African American of his generation.

His involvement in the civil rights movement campaigns of the 1960s made him a favorite among Africans who strongly identified with his causes and struggles.

But nothing cemented Ali’s popularity on the continent like his Rumble in the Jungle fight in Kinshasa with the then undefeated George Foreman in 1974. Ali came out of the fight not only as the heavyweight champion, but as Africa’s champion.

Here are 12 photos that defined Ali’s relation with leaders and people of Africa:

Sources: The Fight City, Slate, Quartz Africa