In a historic homecoming that has captivated the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), boxing legend Mike Tyson has traveled to Kinshasa to reconnect with his ancestral roots. The visit, which coincides with the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the legendary "Rumble in the Jungle" between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, has evolved from a commemorative trip into a permanent personal commitment to the nation. The journey reached a pinnacle when the Congolese government, represented by high-ranking ministers, officially welcomed Tyson as a "son of the soil." In a gesture of profound symbolic weight, the former heavyweight champion was gifted 50 acres of land along the Congo River, where a permanent residence is slated to be built. Remarkably, Tyson’s new estate is located in close proximity to the presidential residence, positioning the boxing icon as a literal neighbor to President Félix Tshisekedi.
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The motivation behind Tyson’s move is deeply personal. Following a series of genealogical DNA tests, Tyson discovered that a significant portion of his genetic heritage traces directly back to the Congo. "I feel a connection to this land and its people that I can't explain," Tyson remarked during his tour, even tasking local historians and tribal leaders with identifying his specific ancestral village and ethnic group. His arrival triggered a "mini-carnival" on the streets of Kinshasa, where thousands of residents gathered to catch a glimpse of the man many consider the spiritual successor to Muhammad Ali. Beyond his personal settlement, Tyson’s presence has reinvigorated the Congolese sporting landscape. His visit to the newly renamed Ali-Foreman Stadium served as a bridge between the 1974 "Rumble" and the future of African boxing. Tyson emphasized that sports remain a "universal language" capable of fostering global unity and peace. He has already begun discussions with authorities to use his new base in the DRC to promote youth boxing programs, signaling that his plan to live in the Congo is not merely a retirement strategy, but a mission to contribute to his newfound homeland's future.
