Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, a collector of sports souvenirs, acquired Muhammad Ali’s 1974 WBC champion belt from a triumph over George Foreman.
Irsay tweeted out news of his purchase of the belt from the “Rumble in the Jungle,” which took location in Zaire, on Sunday. He stated the belt will be put on displayscreen in Chicago on Aug. 2.
Irsay reportedly purchased the belt for $6 million, including to his collection of Ali souvenirs. The Colts owner likewise has purchased Ali’s shoes from a 1975 triumph over Joe Frazier and Ali’s walkout bathrobe from his veryfirst battle after altering his name from “Cassius Clay,” which came from a 1965 rematch versus Sonny Liston.
Chris Ivy, Heritage’s Director of Sports Auctions, is “thrilled” that the belt was acquired by an “exceptional caretaker” such as Irsay.
“After anumberof hours of enjoying 2 bidders go back and forth over this belt, this shown to be a fight deserving of the Rumble itself,” Ivy stated. “We’re simply delighted this remarkable piece of boxing history – of sports history, of cultural history – discovered such an extraordinary caretaker who will now share it with the rest of the world.”
Irsay’s Colts are coming off a 9-8 season where they lost their last 2 videogames to missouton the playoffs. They traded quarterback Carson Wentz to the Washington Commanders while getting veteran quarterback Matt Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. Indianapolis likewise obtained Yannick Ngakoue from the Las Vegas Raiders and signed cornerback Stephon Gilmore to a two-year offer.
Indianapolis, which didn’t own a first-round choice in the 2022 NFL Draft, chosen Cincinnati wide receiver Alec Pierce (53), Virginia tight end Jelani Woods (73), Central Michigan offensive lineman Bernhard Raimann (77) and Maryland safety Nick Cross (96) on day 2 of the draft.
Frank Reich is gettingin his 5th season as the group’s head coach.
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