Colts' Jim Irsay Buys Muhammad Ali’s Championship from George Foreman Win for $6.18M

Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, bought the title belt from Muhammad Ali, who won it in 1974.

Jim Irsay @JimIrsay

BREAKING—-Muhammad Ali’s
championship belt from 1974 ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ just added to @IrsayCollection Just in time for the Aug. 2 show at Chicago’s Navy Pier (and Sept. 9 at Indy). Proud to be the steward!🙏 pic.twitter.com/7wwTetIzYt

The belt was auctioned for $6.18 million.

Ali defeated Sonny Liston to win the title. He was stripped of the title because he refused to fight in Vietnam.

In March 1971 the legendary pugilist tried to beat Joe Frazier for the gold, but was defeated. He used his rope-a-dope strategy to great effect, as he slowly wore down and was knocked out in the eighth round.

According to the listing, this is one of two titles from Ali that have existed. The hobby's auction block isn't likely to be seen by the other.

Irsay has previously targeted a piece of history from the greatest boxer of all time.

He spent $438,000 on the robe Ali wore for the second time. He bought the gloves for the fight one month later.