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LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 18: Muhammad Ali watches a younger version of himself on a big screen with amazement as his daughter, Rasheda Ali-Walsh, looks on at the media opening of the Muhammad Ali Center on November 18, 2005 in Louisville, Kentucky. The $75 million center, which honors the life and career of the boxing legend, opens to the public November 21. (Photo by David Lutman/Getty Images)

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LOUISVILLE, KY – NOVEMBER 18: Muhammad Ali watches a younger version of himself on a big screen with amazement as his daughter, Rasheda Ali-Walsh, looks on at the media opening of the Muhammad Ali Center on November 18, 2005 in Louisville, Kentucky. The $75 million center, which honors the life and career of the boxing legend, opens to the public November 21. (Photo by David Lutman/Getty Images)
On 30th October 1974, George Foreman squared off against Muhammad Ali. They fought with two, namely, the WBA and WBC World Heavyweight titles on the line. It was booked as the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ fight. The bout was scheduled for 15 rounds, but Ali KOed Foreman in the 8th round that night. At the time of this fight, Foreman was undefeated in professional boxing. To face ‘The Greatest’ Muhammad Ali, he arrived with a record of 0 losses and 40 wins.
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Among others who rooted for Foreman against Ali was the 8-year-old daughter of Jerry Izenberg, a journalist and close friend of Ali. Jenny Izenberg was only 8 at the time of the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ fight. Although she was barely old enough to understand the fundamentals of boxing, she did not want Ali to win against Foreman that night.
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In the book titled, ‘Going 15 Rounds With Jerry Izenberg’, Ed Odeven recounted a hilarious encounter between Jerry Izenberg and his then 8-year-old daughter Jenny. On his way to Deer Lake, where Izenberg would cover the training camp of Muhammad Ali, the former advised his daughter Jenny to go to Aunt Coretta and be a water girl to stay occupied.

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BERLIN – DECEMBER 17: Muhammad Ali and his wife, Lonnie Ali sit ringside uring the Super Middleweight fight between Laila Ali and Asa Maria Sandell at the Max-Schmeling Hall on December 17, 2005 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Martin Rose/Bongarts/Getty Images)
However, Jenny said, “I hope George Foreman knocks his block off.” While Jenny expressed how she wanted Foreman to win over Ali, Izenberg was surprised.
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Muhammad Ai changed the mind of young Jenny
Although Jenny wanted Foreman to win over Ali, Ali changed her mind. According to Ed Odeven, in an encounter, Ali held little Jenny. Seeing her, Ali demanded to come and meet him. Once she arrived, Ali jokingly asked if Jerry Izenberg was actually the father of little Jenny. He said, “Don’t you lie to me. That man is ugly. You’re beautiful. He’s not your daddy. The Gypsies musta brung you. Now give me a kiss right here.”
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Challenger Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) punches heavyweight champion Sonny Liston during their 1964 bout. Clay won the title with a TKO of Liston in the 7th round.
Following this incident, Jenny changed her mind. “I hope Muhammad can win the fight,” she later told Jerry. What did you think about the relationship between Jerry?
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In addition, what was your reaction to the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ fight? Let us know in the comments below.
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