Ali-Frazier. I love Bowe-Holyfield more, perhaps because of the sickening punishment both men absorbed in Ali-Frazier.
I'd say it's about equal. Ali fought a man who could get underneath his punches and brutalize his body while Holyfield fought a very large skilled and hard punching Bowe. All 4 men gave and took in thier respective trilogies and absorbed alot of punishment.
I think it depends on which fights of the two trilogies one is referring to. The Thrilla in Manilla was probably the most taxing of all six fights. Frazier was almost completely blind and spitting up blood, while Ali was across the ring asking his corner men to cut his gloves off. Frankly, I can't think of any other match in either saga where anyone took more punishment than on that evening. In fact, there are many who were involved in the making of that fight, who to this day still proclaim that both men are lucky to be alive.
Good post - my thoughts also Magoo. Didn't fully realise what a great set of fights Holyfield v Bowe were until seeing them again only 12 months ago.
Would Evander Holyfield ask his corner man to cut his gloves off..? Evander Holyfield would probably die in the ring.
I think Bowe - Holyfield 1 was as brutal as any heavyweight fight I have ever seen. The bombs these men threw and took and the pace they set were unmatched.
No, I don't think that he'd ever quit in any fight. But, my point is that of all the fights mentioned in both trilogies, I think the thrilla in manilla was the most physically taxing. You had two men who could have just as easily died or been permanantely disabled.
I think the the Thrilla in Manila gives Ali v Frazier an edge, one of the most brutal fights I've ever seen, but it's a close call. I do know Bowe was never the same after 3 fights with Holyfield.
my thoughts exactly. and what also made it extra tough where the cicrcumstances in this arena with a tin roof. it was extremly hot and stuff like that