How do you think Ali expected the Thrilla in Manila to turn out?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by DavidC77, Jan 3, 2019.


  1. DavidC77

    DavidC77 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Was Ali really expecting to be able to achieve an early round stoppage going into that fight or just a comfortable victory?

    You can see in the first round that Ali had a game plan. His arms were very high to guard against the left hook and he would spin Frazier around to stay off the ropes. It's interesting that after the first round Ali seemed to forget these tactics and never used them again.
     
    DavidC77, Jan 3, 2019
    DavidC77, Jan 3, 2019
    #1
  2. PernellSweetPea

    PernellSweetPea Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    It is hard to say. He had a plan and he tried to work him mentally in the staredown. I guess all fighters at that level think they will win until they are being beaten up. Ali had his hands up high, but like I always thought those rights to the body of Ali were so hard.. I wonder what would have happened had Foreman landed further on his back instead of to the side -which is what causes more one punch body knockouts. Delahoya and Virgil Hill both went down with a punch to the back almost.
     
    PernellSweetPea, Jan 3, 2019
    PernellSweetPea, Jan 3, 2019
    #2
  3. The Undefeated Lachbuster

    The Undefeated Lachbuster On the Italian agenda Full Member

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    Ali quoted, during Manilla, to Frazier:

    "They told me you was all washed up"

    Imo Ali underestimated a what should've been shot / spiritually crushed Frazier, only to run into a past prime but still smokin' Frazier
     
    The Undefeated Lachbuster, Jan 3, 2019
    The Undefeated Lachbuster, Jan 3, 2019
    #3
  4. DavidC77

    DavidC77 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    But how do you think Ali expected the fight to turn out?
     
    DavidC77, Jan 3, 2019
    DavidC77, Jan 3, 2019
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  5. GoldenHulk

    GoldenHulk Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Ali definitely didn't think it was going to be nearly as hard as it was. If he knew, he would have trained in seclusion and much harder like the previous year against Foreman, instead of being in Manila with all it's distractions.
     
    GoldenHulk, Jan 3, 2019
    GoldenHulk, Jan 3, 2019
    #5
  6. The Undefeated Lachbuster

    The Undefeated Lachbuster On the Italian agenda Full Member

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    Probably mid round stoppage
     
    The Undefeated Lachbuster, Jan 3, 2019
    The Undefeated Lachbuster, Jan 3, 2019
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  7. DavidC77

    DavidC77 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    I agree.
     
    DavidC77, Jan 3, 2019
    DavidC77, Jan 3, 2019
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