Thrilla in Manila

I agree, completely. I'm actually arguing with a poster who said that Thrilla Frazier was worse than 1976 Frazier

 

It was a big payoff, but beyond that, it was expected to be a much easier fight for Ali, who had undergone three solid workouts with Wepner, Lyle and Bugner in 1975 totaling over 40 rounds of title competition.

Meanwhile, it had taken Frazier nine rounds to finish off an aging Jimmy Ellis in their rematch, and Ellis was on a four year slump, not having had a meaningful win since Chuvalo, 15 matches earlier. Those nine rounds were Smoke's only action in the 16 months since JQ II, the masterpiece which really qualified him for his title shot in Manila.

Looking at Ellis II, there was no sign Frazier had anything like Manila left in him. Ali did a great job hyping it up to generate interest, but this was expected to be Joe's retirement match. Ali was under-trained, but about as battle ready as steady competition could have made him. After round two of their middle bout, it was known he had the power to seriously stun Frazier early, and Joe had gotten off to a slow start in Ellis II.

After Ali-Frazier II, Manila was not expected to become the epic war Ali was hyping it up as.

 

Very true except Ali was very well prepared for Manila. He was in no way undertrained.

 

(once again) WRONG! Ali seldom trained because he believed Frazier was washed up.

 

You, once again, have no idea what you are talking about.

 

How about actually refuting it instead of reverting to insults?

 

It was one hell of a fight, and it's one that I actually am a mix between being enthralled when I watch it and horrified that I'm a fan of a sport like this.

They both had iron wills, but I tell you Joe Frazier is probably the toughest son of a ***** I've seen in a ring. Both eyes closed and being pot shotted in the 14th, and he's still walking forward.

 

Known boxing history. Your making things up again.

 

The second fight was pretty tame and left the series at 1-1.

I think a rubber match was in order

It was a great fight. A great way to finish the trilogy.

 

In retrospect, it would have been great if both Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier would have retired for good right after the "Thrilla in Manila."

- Chuck Johnston

 

I guess I'm also making up the fact that Ali's weight was the fourth highest of his career.

 

Agreed. Neither of them had anything to else to prove.

 

Weigh in was five days before the day of the fight.