Muhammad Ali's WBC Heavyweight Championship Belt
Owner
Muhammad Ali
(American, 1942 - 2016)
Maker
Adidas
(German, founded 1924)
Date1976
ClassificationsPop Culture
DimensionsOverall: 8 x 40 in. (20.3 x 101.6 cm)
Other (Diameter): 12 in. (30.5 cm)
DescriptionMuhammad Ali's WBC Heavyweight Championship Belt Earned in Victory over George Foreman in the "Rumble in the Jungle." The belt consists of green leather with gold painted metal embellishments at front. A large center medallion is flanked by two smaller medallions. The center medallion shows the figure of a boxer with arm raised and flag motif crossing his body. Some flags retain small amounts of coloring. On each side of the boxer is a globe motif. At top it reads "WOLRD CHAMPION" and below reads "W.B.C." and "adidas" with the adidas logo beneath. The smaller medallions show the adidas logo, with remnants of green coloring, and a floral motif around the border. There is a gold border at top and bottom of the belt. It has a metal latch on the proper left. Other (Diameter): 12 in. (30.5 cm)
On October 30, 1974, Muhammad Ali upset undisputed heavyweight champion George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaire in what was the most-watched live television event at that time. Ali employed the “rope-a-dope” tactic before pouncing in the 8th round, hitting Foreman with a five-punch combination leading to a knockout. This World Boxing Council belt was given to Ali in 1976 and served as a retroactive symbol of his 1974 victory over Foreman. Ali held this title until his 1978 loss to Leon Spinks.
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, (1942-2016) was considered one of the most important sports figures of the 20th century and is arguably the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time.
In the ring, Ali often sought the spotlight with high profile matches against top opponents such as George Foreman, Sonny Liston, and Joe Frazier. He is the only three-time lineal heavyweight champion with a 56-5 professional boxing record.
Outside the ring, Ali’s beliefs as a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War saw him convicted of draft evasion. His anti-war stance earned him respect in the counterculture movement of the 1960s. His prominent status in the African American community also made him a leading figure in the civil rights movement.
Ali’s legacy transcends sports. His thoughts on social and personal responsibility make him one of the most influential Americans in modern history.
3D Model
