Still a classic but both fighters were pretty well spent by then. I think that a 1967 Ali vs 1971 Frazier would have been a terrific match with the unknown factor in place.
It is what this millinial forum has become. ONLY bigger is better. And nobody pre Tyson could fight or be in shape unless you looked like roided up Tyson Holyfield Jones Mayweather.
I don’t see why people concentrate on the fact both were past their primes. It was still a great fight.
The fight wasn't overrated; the people in it at this particular point in their career were. Ali vs. Frazier II wasn't a good fight; neither looked like an ATG in that one. Frazier is limited vs. a bigger man who can fight, but he at least takes his chances when Ali rests, which was happens a few times. Ali gets a pass for his lack of stamina and resting, mostly because he didn't fight many high energy fighters like Norton. Some claim to have heard Ali wanted to quit in in his corner after the 14th round ended, but Frazier's corner shut it down first! Ali fans might cry foul, but he nearly quit vs. Liston, so it's not out the question. Frazier was a no retreat, no surrender type of guy. Judging on how Ali had nothing left and collapsed in the ring calling it the closest he has been to death, who knows what happens. I don't think Fraizer was in close to collapsing. Okay, his eyes were swollen, but IMO Futch acted too soon and could have told the ref I might throw the towel in, get ready to stop it. The 15th round could have been epic, or what happened just before the bell could have been legacy-defining.
I think some people (like me) believe the fact that they were each well past their primes made the fight even better and more notable in terms of perseverance/guts/championship heart. The intense heat added to that; both fighters were not fighting under anywhere near ideal conditions.
I think you're right, however I don't think either fighter needed another legacy-defining achievement, they both already did that so many times in the past. Yes, that second Ali-Frazier fight bummed a lot of people out after the glory of FOTC. TiM definitely made things right imo.
The second fight held partially because Ali held so darn often, and Frazier wa just too limited to jab with him or land at the right hand. A battle in the 15th round with Ali dead tired and Frazier with limited vision would be the stuff or Rocky movies. The loser would not be remembered for losing. Or if Ali really wanted to quit, his legacy takes a huge his and Fraizer's would be elevated.
Anyone who believes Ali would quit after using Frazier as a Heavy bag, staggering him several times and watching Joe obviously completely exhausted and helpless is completely void of intelligence. Ali never quit in any fight. He was not going to start as hwt champion of the world against his No 1 nemesis. It was a life and death fight as brutal as I’ve ever watched in any era. I imagine this bout as akin to Jeffries Sharkey at Coney Island. Joe stated it was hotter than 110 degrees in that ring that night. Brutal beyond description when you add work rate and punches taken.
Frazier was blind and helpless at the end of round 14. If you watch how he was throwing punches in the 14th round it was obvious he was completely exhausted. Joe in his corner stated, you can clearly read his lips...”I can’t see”. The only thing that would have occurred in round 15 is a knockout and Joe potentially seriously injured. This is why Futch stopped the fight.
@HOUDINI might be right...Joe was definitely losing at the time of the stoppage. I don't think Eddie Futch was known as much of a quitting corner. Ali was getting the better of Joe, no question there. But I would have LOVED for there to have been a fifteenth round...because Ali said himself later that he was on the brink of death. Do I think Joe would have pulled any surprises in that round? Quite possible, but he would ultimately have been stopped anyway I think. Ali was pulling ahead super fast at the time. I could be wrong.
I was and still am a big Frazier fan. Never rooted against him in any of his bouts. But he was as gone physically as any fighter after round 14. I would not wanted to see a 15th round as why watch a great fighter in a great fight get seriously injury? He could not see...the fight was over.
