NFL team owner bought rare Muhammad Ali belt for millions

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Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay added boxing gold to his impressive collection on Sunday.

Irsay has held Muhammad Ali’s WBC Heavyweight Championship since defeating boxing legend George Foreman at the “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire in 1974.

“BREAKING—- Muhammad Ali’s championship belt from the 1974 ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ has been added to the @IrsayCollection,” Irsay tweeted. “Just at the show on Aug. 2 at Chicago’s Navy Pier (and Sept. 9 at Indy). I’m proud to be a steward.”

Jim Irsay in 2019

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks to fans during the Indianapolis Colts’ Ring of Induction by Dwight Freeney at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 10, 2019 in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterlin/Getty Images/Getty Images)

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Irsay bought the belt for more than $6.1 million, according to Heritage Actions.

“Two Muhammad Ali WBC belts are known to exist, one in a private museum collection, a hobby auction that will never be seen. The only remaining Muhammad Ali heavyweight championship belt on earth is presented here,” Heritage Auctions said.

Muhammad Ali Rumble in the ring

George Foreman, left, and Muhammad Ali box at Zaire Stade du 20 Mai, “The Rumble in the Jungle,” October 30, 1974. (Ken Regan/Disney’s Total Entertainment Content via Getty Images/Getty Images)

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“But the historical significance of the text, the most important boxing award ever made at public auction, is easily measured. It is a symbol of justice itself and the symbols of freedom, religion and patriotism that challenge us all to this day.”

Irsay has a large collection of memorabilia. In the year He bought Ali’s shoes from the 1975 “Thrilla in Manila” and Ali’s robe when he fought Sonny Liston in 1965, his first fight after changing his name from Cassius Clay.

Muhammad Ali will face George Foreman

Muhammad Ali punches George Foreman for the heavyweight championship on October 30, 1974 in Kinshasa, Zaire. Ali won and regained the title. (Focus on Sports/Getty Images/Getty Images)

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In addition to Ali’s artifacts, Irsay also has Ringo Starr’s drum head from a 1974 Beatles performance on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” a George Harrison Gibson SG that he played on some of The Beatles’ most famous records and historic pieces. Since 1777, Thanksgiving has been celebrated in America for the first time.

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