15 rounds. We've matched up a '74 Ali against a '71 Frazier before. How about this scenario, Ali was better in their second fight than he was in their third,and Frazier,if anything was better in the latter than he was in the former. Thoughts ? Myself,I think that Ali would tko Joe late,with the referee stepping in.
Better in the second fight!? Ali fouled Frazier through the whole fight, held him behind the head and the stupid judge let him.....
This is a point that's always brought up. And with some justification. Aside from that,Ali was at his fastest since his enforced 3 1/2 year lay off,and it's not as if his holding Joe behind the head made a BIG difference in the scoring. It was up to Frazier to deal with it. It can also be argued that Tony Perez got Frazier off the hook in the second,when he heard bells !
Looking at the fights, I agree Ali looked at his fastest and most agile in the rematch. You'd think that the three years since FOTC hardly could have improved him in this sense, but it's there to see. On the other hand I don't think moving is a good tactic for 15 rounds in the sweltering, humid heat in Manilla. I think he was perhaps better off at a pretty trim 225 lbs, even though he had declined a bit since early '74.
Ali late TKO from swelling obscuring the vision of Frazier's good eye, like in the Thrilla, but perhaps within 12 rounds this time.
Nope. Ali was even quicker this time and I bet he hit harder. And Frazier did not stop the weaker 75' Version, so how would he have stopped an even greater version in 74'? I don't see it, grant.
I thought it was up to the judge to deal with it, its his job. Where do you want to draw the line? A kick in the groin?
Ali's clinching in this fight may have bent the rules a bit,but not actually broken them. Frazier also landed a few low blows,but Ali did n't complain about this.
With Muhammad being in better shape, he survives Joe's late surge and takes a UD by the likes of 10-5, or 9-6.
