Smokin Joe Frazier [7-11-2011] Rest easy champion

Frazier's style made him peak earlier in his career and he gave it all in FOTC, felt like he was taking it easily to not deteriorate any further until the inevitable Ali rematch but Foreman changed all that. He was still solid enough to be a class ahead of top fighters like Quarry and Bugner. Whereas Ali developed into a different type of fighter in the 70s, that style giving him more longevity overall by fighting often and still with impressive performances between 72-74. You could say that it was Frazier's hatred for Ali that gave him glimpses of his peak again in Manila.

 

Expect for that TINY part of Ali's skin near the eye where a light heavyweight was able to cut. It was so tiny only 1 guy was able to find that mark lol.

 

There seemed to be a time when Frazier’s reactions to Ali’s smack talk were deemed to be over reactions to Ali simply promoting their fights without any malicious intent.

I’m glad that Joe’s due reactions have since been put into proper perspective in so far as understanding Ali said some very mean and unnecessary things which went well above and beyond the call of promotional duty.

Even by the stage of Manila, Ali was still going very hard and very nasty. Sure, talk up the fight but their reputations and rivalry well preceded them so as to already present as almost sufficient promotion without too much more being said.

A romantic idea yes but it would’ve been nice if Ali led into the 3rd fight finally and fully affording Joe the respect that he deserved as both a person and a fighter.

 

Styles too. Fraziers style takes a toll on ur back and coming forward all of the time is a styles clash against someone like Foreman. Still, Ali knew he was durable so yes he outlasted him but at what cost? The punishment still accumulated until it was too late.

 

Once Ali lost his speed, he pretty much out will his foes later on. It was a price he paid for the rest of his life sadly. Laying on the ropes and letting guys like Foreman or Frazier throwing their best shots at you, you are not going to walk out of that with no ill effects.

 

True. Those Shavers, Holmes n Berbick fights definitely didn't help either. Not to say he wouldn't have had issues if he retired right after Manilla who really knows? Only thing is he wouldn't of made his situation worse physically.

 

Health wise I really think he should of retire after Foreman, I really think Frazier 3 did the most damage to Ali and of couse Holmes and Shavers did not help either.

 

I would have to do more research but I've heard he was advised several times to hang em up sooner several times. I wouldn't b surprised if his ego got in the way.

 

That is me making a judgement call being born AFTER the era and it being all said and done. How was I supposed to know pre Frazier Ali III that both fighters would almost kill each other in the type of fight they had. It is all said and over and having my time machine eyes, I think Foreman should of been it lol.

 

That's fair lol. It's his last monumental win too. He became a 5 time champ afterwards I kno but he was such a shell of himself in the Spinks series it was hard to watch imho.

 

No way a 7 fight pro should of beaten Ali, for that to happen really shows how far Ali has decline imo.