11-08-2011, 06:53 PM
11-08-2011, 08:01 PM
Agreed. Those fights were legendary.
11-10-2011, 11:19 AM
Worthwhile read:
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7208...sts-manila
During the 14th and final break, when it became clear somebody might die — probably Frazier, who couldn't see anything out of either eye — Futch decided that he couldn't live the rest of his life knowing that he didn't save Frazier. He stopped the fight. A weary Ali figured out what had happened, stood to make sure, then sagged to the ground like someone had sliced his hamstrings. He spent the next few seconds lying on his back, finally sitting up and staring ahead blankly as his entourage congratulated him — not just for winning, but for surviving. This wasn't a fight. This was something else. With all due respect to Hagler-Hearns, Leonard-Hearns, Foreman-Lyle, Castillo-Coralles and everything else on that level, the third Ali-Frazier bout went to a different place. For sweeping drama, clashing styles, mutual hatred, historical significance and sheer brutality, nothing else approached the "Thrilla in Manila." The fight eventually ruined both men, only neither of them cared. They were fine with the stakes.
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7208...sts-manila
During the 14th and final break, when it became clear somebody might die — probably Frazier, who couldn't see anything out of either eye — Futch decided that he couldn't live the rest of his life knowing that he didn't save Frazier. He stopped the fight. A weary Ali figured out what had happened, stood to make sure, then sagged to the ground like someone had sliced his hamstrings. He spent the next few seconds lying on his back, finally sitting up and staring ahead blankly as his entourage congratulated him — not just for winning, but for surviving. This wasn't a fight. This was something else. With all due respect to Hagler-Hearns, Leonard-Hearns, Foreman-Lyle, Castillo-Coralles and everything else on that level, the third Ali-Frazier bout went to a different place. For sweeping drama, clashing styles, mutual hatred, historical significance and sheer brutality, nothing else approached the "Thrilla in Manila." The fight eventually ruined both men, only neither of them cared. They were fine with the stakes.
11-10-2011, 08:19 PM
That was from the third fight, the 'Thrilla in Manila' Esss. Another great contest between these two warriors.
11-10-2011, 09:52 PM
I remember that fight well. IIRC it was pay per view, back when that was still kind of a new idea. We had about 20 people that chipped in and crammed into the room, hoping it would go the distance and we'd get our money's worth. What we got was probably the most memorable fight I've ever seen.
Smokin' Joe had the misfortune to come up during the Ali era. He was admired because while he was not flashy, he was a straight on fighter who never backed down. The amazing thing was how much of a beating Joe could take and still be coming at Ali. That was back when boxing was still relevant to much of the population. Even then we saw Ali, Frazier, Young, Ellis, Foreman, and "Acorn" (Ernie Shavers) as kind of a revival of boxing's golden age. We knew it wouldn't last and enjoyed it while it did. Joe Frazier was a big part of that, and, of course the object of Ali's taunts and ridicule.
R.I.P. Joe.
Smokin' Joe had the misfortune to come up during the Ali era. He was admired because while he was not flashy, he was a straight on fighter who never backed down. The amazing thing was how much of a beating Joe could take and still be coming at Ali. That was back when boxing was still relevant to much of the population. Even then we saw Ali, Frazier, Young, Ellis, Foreman, and "Acorn" (Ernie Shavers) as kind of a revival of boxing's golden age. We knew it wouldn't last and enjoyed it while it did. Joe Frazier was a big part of that, and, of course the object of Ali's taunts and ridicule.
R.I.P. Joe.
11-11-2011, 07:11 AM
Hard to appreciate just how good Ali was until you see him in video. Incredible. 