Ali v Frazier 2 underated!!

I agree.

Because the other 2 fights (71 & 75) were all time great fights as opposed to just very good fights (like the fight were talking about now from 74) people overlook it.

It was a very good fight & that version of Ali was probably better than the other 2 versions from the 1st & 3rd figts were Ali got tired & trapped on the ropes too often.

I think this 2nd fight would resemble a prime vs prime match up between these 2 more than the other fights with Ali taking the odd solid punch but in the whole, staying on his toes to take a UD.

 

Basically, the same as your scoring. I thought the 12th was a draw.:good

 

Ali vs Frazier II. Ali's punches were mostly pittypat for the entire fight except the right hand shot in the second round. Ali was never penalized for the repeated holding he did.

Ali vs Norton II, arguably a gift for Ali. Norton was the aggressor and brought the fight to Ali.

Ali vs Norton III, definitely a gift for Ali. This decision was worse than Ali vs Norton II.

Ali vs Shavers, arguably a gift for Ali. Shavers landed more power punches in that fight. Ali was backing up for the majority of that fight.

Jimmy Young vs Ali. Definitely a gift for Ali. Young ********* and out-landed Ali with more crisp punches. Young even said it was his easiest fight.

Ali vs Doug Jones. Arguably a gift for Ali. Doug Jones ********* Ali and had him retreating more in that fight.


Say what you want whether Ali received gifts in these fights or not. Each fight has significance such that the decisions are still being disputed today with regards to his legacy. Ali used everything he could in his arsenal especially his mouth to gain an edge over every opponent by swaying the judges whenever he could.

The third fight with Norton ranks high on the robbery scale IMO with Leonard vs Hearns II and Holyfield vs Lewis I. I've had a hard time counting enough rounds that Ali won every time I watch this fight. He looks like a beaten man after that fight with a fairly dejected look on his face while Norton's corner looks pretty confident of victory.

 

Ps: I scored the fight, 8-4 Ali. It was definitely a clearcut verdict IMO, moreso than the other two bouts.

 

There was alot of clinching going on in this fight. My favorite of the three is the first fight in 1971.

This is a great fight though and many times goes sadly underrated by fight fans.

 

I think Ali fought his smartest fight in the second on. He kept on the move and tied up Frazier when he got close. Right on about the second round. I also think Frazier was on the verge of being kayoed in round 9 of fight one. Ali, having knocked out Bonavena with a left hook, thought he could out-hook Smokin' Joe.

I watched the films closely and I also think Ali was knocked unconscious but stayed on his feet in round 11 of fight one, and round six of the Manilla fight. Great trio of fights!