Tony Perez on Ali-Frazier II

Should Frazier of wasted a massive amount of energy trying to wrestle away from every clinch when it's the refeeres responsibility?

 

He was in his absolute peak condition during the FOTC, he was going to be able to do it more effectively there. To wrestle AND box with Ali.

Neither man, especially Frazier, was the same afterwards.

 

But Ali was able to climb to the top of the mountain again despite this.

 

Tons of heavyweights slipped punches better than Ali did against Norton III, Young and Shavers. He was nothing special at that point; a good contender with close or even clear losses going his way.

 

Tony Perez was in the ring, he's a professional referee. He knows a hell of a lot more than me or anybody else here so what he says is bible as far as I'm concerned.

 

Ali was a good contender at that point. I hope you're joking.

Even after his prime, which was before exile ladies and gentleman, Ali was still the man at Heavyweight. Those questionable decisions, they were all close fights with the possible exception of Norton III.

Prime Holmes had more trouble with Shavers than Past it Ali did.

 

Your last sentence sums it up pretty well.

Frazier was going to be fortunate to get a close decision in his second fight with Ali, too much was at stake. I recall thinking that before the fight that night.

As to that bit of business about the delay in getting the judge's scoring and Dunphy's reaction, if anybody cares to elaborate, I would appreciate it.

I know there was some surprise that night among some of the sportswriters at ringside that night. I think Red Smith had Frazier winning.

p.s. the decision in Ali-Norton III pretty much took the cake. :yep