How different would Ali's life had been if he retired for good after Manila?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by DavidC77, Sep 27, 2018.


  1. Reinhardt

    Reinhardt Boxing Junkie Full Member

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  2. DavidC77

    DavidC77 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    I know many people may disagree but I don't think Manila directly affected Ali's health (at least not neurologically) in a significant long-term way.

    Frazier focussed predominantly on a body attack and there aren't many times where Ali is stunned by head punches (unlike in their first fight).

    Instead I think the intense heat, Ali's lack of preparation and Frazier's body punches exhausted Ali to the verge of collapse and he never had the same focus and desire again.

    After that he didn't train hard, absorbed unnecessary punishment both in sparring and using the rope-a-dope during fights whilst his speed and co-ordination were deteriorating perhaps due to the early stages of Parkinson's syndrome.

    So I think instead Manila had an indirect long-term effect on Ali's health.
     
    Last edited: Sep 28, 2018
  3. Titan1

    Titan1 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Probably a great deal better. May have went full Hollywood.
     
  4. PernellSweetPea

    PernellSweetPea Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    probably better. He fought on too long obviously.