Evaluate Ali's and Frazier's performances in FOTC

Losing that was the absolutely crucial cog in his machine! It meant Frazier was landing much more than he would have been able to do had Ali still retained his marvellous footwork.

Bottom line Frazier fought the fight of his life,Ali was very, very good, but would have been better had he more ring rounds under his belt.

 

Bojak clearly stipulated the direction he wanted the thread to move in and it was a very fair request. 4 years ago you totally ignored his request and he chastised you for it. Here you are 4 years later doing exactly the same thing in the same thread.

You are either thick as a brick or terribly ignorant and rude. Or both. Little wonder people get so damn frustrated with you. You got exactly what you deserved.

His retort had nothing to do with agreeing or disagreeing with you whatsoever.

Show some respect.

 

Joe was not going to be denied that night at MSG on March 8, 1971...

 

Well I would love to respond to this and debate you on this but it appears there is a strict request from the OP not to digress from the subject matter...

 

Good to see you following requests! Kudo's!

 

Bokaj might have another mental break down if we don't.

 

I’ve always been a good sport. I can take it on the chin. Lol.

 

Good to see mate.

 

They both fought the fight of their lives for different reasons .. Frazier was at the final peak of his powers .. already near blind in one eye he'd already taken a lot of punishment but was in his absolute physical prime for the fight. Regardless of who he fought his days at that level were numbered .. Ali , with two fights in sixteen weeks before this bout, coming back from forty two months of inactivity before that was really in no physical shape to fight this Frazier. People forget that Ali was tiring and lucky (cut) against Quarry in his first comeback fight and that he looked terrible against Bonavena. The spectacular KO masked how faded he looked in the prior fourteen rounds. My point is that after the Bonavena fight he should have let his body heal , have another one or two tune ups before taking on this version of Frazier. However, based on the uncertainly of his legal status and financial needs he jumped in. All things considered he fought the fight of his life going fifteen very competitive rounds, as courageous a performance as he ever gave.

 

Thanks for a really great post mate. On the money.

 

Ali IMO came out very sharp. He was punching very fast and put together one/two`s right on Joe`s chin. The first 3 rounds he peppers Frazier. Most mere mortals would have either been knocked out or at least slowed their roll coming in. Joe Frazier kept up the pressure and also kept moving his hands as he worked his way inside. Ali began to miss more and more though was still landing. This was the key. This isn't Chuvalo standing there as a punching bag. This is a dangerous offensive force.

I think Ali surprised Joe with his physical strength. I think Joe surprised Ali with his quickness that night. Joe Frazier was like a cat that night. His hook a whip. It was an incredible display by both champions. Ali deserves great marks for his recovery ability that night. He should've been out a few times.

Most people don't recognize this but Frazier hit Ali with the best punch he ever landed early in the 9th round. Ali was out. Even Don Dunphy expects the isn't going much longer and Joe beats him from pillar to post. Remarkably Ali comes back to make it a close round with a rally before the bell.

Uncommon valor but by both fighers.

 

A pleasure.