NEW YORK, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- "The Rumble in the Jungle," was more than just a boxing match.
The epic 1974 battle between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire's jungle heat was one of the most anticipated championship fights of all time. Younger than Ali and the reigning heavyweight champ, Foreman was the heavy favorite. Yet Ali's surprising "rope-a-dope" strategy provided him a stunning upset victory over the then indomitable Foreman.
But beyond the remarkable athleticism and cunning gamesmanship that Ali displayed, it was the personal rapport he developed with his African and international fan base that helped establish him as a unique global icon.
Muhammad Ali Enterprises LLC and the official Muhammad Ali website, http://www.ali.com/, are celebrating the 35th anniversary of "The Rumble in the Jungle" - October 30, 1974 - with a series of special online events.
On October 30, 2009, Ali.com will display the 8th and final round of the epic fight. Rounds 1 through 7 have been displayed one at a time on each day since Oct. 22. Other web features designed to immerse Ali's international fan base in this historic event include fan polls, interactive messaging to The Champ, exclusive video and photos, gifts, and the online offering of specially designed commemorative merchandise.
In association with the 35th Anniversary, Ali.com, the home of Muhammad Ali's Official Online Store, presents several exclusive offerings, specially designed and manufactured to commemorate the epic battle.
A colorful poster, designed to match the style and feeling of the African bout in 1974, is on sale as a Limited Edition print. Five specially designed Rumble t-shirts, with dynamic images of the Champ in action, are offered in a variety of colors and sizes. A framed 20x24 Rumble in the Jungle autographed print can be purchased, delivered with the Ali.com/Online Authentics guaranteed Certificate of Authenticity.
In addition to this, Muhammad Ali Enterprises has commissioned No Mas, a New York-based apparel and media company, to create "Rumblevison," a series of three original, animated short films.
The animations celebrating Ali's spectacular victory over Foreman will go live on Friday, October 30, on both the No Mas (http://www.nomas-nyc.com/) and Ali (http://www.ali.com/) websites and will be made widely available for embed and viewing on viral on mobile video players. In conjunction with a viral release, No Mas will also retail the original artwork, editioned prints and t-shirts based on key frames, along with its current collection of licensed reproductions of t-shirts worn by Ali during his storied career.
To explore this legendary fight, No Mas founder and sport culture guru Chris Isenberg tapped three fine artists with distinct styles to offer different perspectives on the "Rumble in The Jungle."
The greatest sportsman of his time, Ali's contributions transcend sports. Ali is that rare personality who has inspired and continues to inspire people around the world, no matter what their age, ethnicity, or beliefs. He is esteemed as a great humanitarian and social activist, recognized in every corner of the globe. Awarded the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom and appointed as United Nations Messenger of Peace, Ali remains active today, sponsoring charity benefits and making appearances for various causes.
About Muhammad Ali Enterprises LLC
Muhammad Ali Enterprises LLC ("MAE") is a California limited liability company. MAE is aggressively involved in a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, television, film, video and Internet projects. For more information on MAE, visit http://www.ali.com/. MAE is a subsidiary of CKX, Inc., a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ Global Market® under the ticker symbol "CKXE." Also visit http://www.ckx.com/.
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Muhammad Ali Enterprises LLC
CONTACT: Ed Tagliaferri, +1-212-981-5182, for Muhammad Ali Enterprises
LLC
Web Site: http://www.ali.com/
