Was Ali seriously thinking about quitting ?

Romance, like when he claimed to be in "the room next to death".

 

I believe it. Ali looked worn out. He may have lost his courage to fight.

 

As much as I'd like to believe that Smokes got jobbed, I don't think Ali would have given in with a single round to go. That said, he looked much more damaged than Frazier.

 

If push came to shove and he saw Frazier ready to go, he probably would have gone out for that round in my opinion. However Frazier couldn't see jack and Ali could have either jus avoided him the whole two rounds or if he did attack it could have been bad for joe.

Joe's trainer said afterwards that hes seen a fighter die in the ring before, and he didn't want to see it again. So if the fight did go on, God knows what could have happened.

I also think Ali fainting afterwards was a mixture of exhaustion, relief and enjoyment all put together.

 

Well it was just 1 round left not a couple.

I think if Joe had been allowed out Ali would not have staying in his corner, or at least Dundee wouldnt have let him. Its hard to know though, remember Ali stood up when he knew it was over and collapsed with exhaustion. Maybe he really couldnt have lasted 3 more minutes. The only one who really knows is Ali himself.

I dont think the fight would have gone the distance tough. Ali would either have collapsed or Frazier would have been seriously hurt.

 

Ugh, that fight was so brutal.

I could watch the action of the fight of the century over and over, but I can't do the same for the thrilla in manilla.

 

No way,behind the flash & catchphrases ali was a true warrior.

 

Both fighters gave their all in that fight neither had anything left. Ive heard both guys versions of what happened and they agree.
Fraziers corner REFUSED to let him come out again because basically he was BLIND.
It is not widely known but Joe fought for years with one good eye , he faked the eye tests. His "good eye' was closed so their was no way he could safely continue.
Ali went back to his corner slumped on his stool and said "Thats it I'm done" Angelo carried on working on him despite his protests. Ali wasnt going to come out. Then they saw Joes corner stop the fight. Ali stood up waved to the crowd then collapsed totally exhasted. Both fighter truly risked their lives in that fight.
You need to read Muhammad Ali My Life & Times by Thomas Hauser & Joe's autobiography Smokin' Joe . Both are great reads

 

You only need to watch the tape. He was asking the trainer to cut the gloves. If the trainer had listened the result of the fight would have been different.

 

He may have told Dundee to cut the gloves but if Dundee refused and Futch hadn't stopped Frazier from coming out, I'm pretty sure Ali would have come back out.

 

It's true, Ali wanted them to cut the gloves. This fight is the reason we don't have 15 rounds for title fights anymore.

 

No

 

i think they both were to be honest!