'The Fight' By Norman Mailer

This piece of golden literature surrounds the famous epic boxing battle between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. The fight took place on October 30 1974 in Kinshasa, Zaire - now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo. 'The Fight' as Mailer called it, was not only a boxing spectacle, but a story of race, history, politics and survival. Set in the middle of dark Africa, two coloured giants of the then boxing world, fought to be champion. Only one would be victorious.

Mailer communicates to the reader, the lead up, the fight and the return to the men's place of abode, America. Ali speaks in riddles, rhymes and borrowed poetry as he prepares for the 'rumble in the jungle'. "We're going to dance all night long" says Ali. Foreman retorts, "I can hit a man on the jaw fast enough" and the taunting continues.

Mailer captures each right hand lead, left hand jab and hook as the fight progresses. Mailer has such incredible talent and the gifted ability to place the reader 'at the fight', as the two 'masters of ballet' fight for the championship.

'Boma Ye'. 'Kill him' shout the locals. Viva la Africa.