Ali's meeting with Foreman focused global attention on Zaire and caused huge excitement in the nation.

Katchian recalls: "Ali would run hard every morning for 45 minutes. At 5:30 this particular morning a lorry passed by filled with workers on their way to a jobsite and when they spotted Muhammad, erupted into hysterical cheering.

"Ali never turned down autograph seekers, and made himself available, to a fault, to fans.

"It should be noted he is looking straight at the photographer with a look implying 'I hope she's getting this! This is history!'."