I've often heard that temperature during the Maxim vs Robinson fight was 104 degrees but only estimates about the temperature in Manila. Does anyone know how hot it actually was in Manila?
Good Question and was it hotter in Zaire? One thing though for the first five rounds of the Manila fight Ali wasn`t doing much compared to Ray vs Maxim, and was well rested when he started to rally in the second half of that fight.
Now they have the "Heat Index". Historical "Average" high temp for Manila in October is 88 degrees F. Best info I can find.
Really? From what I remember (haven't watched it for a while) Ali jumped on Frazier early and looked for the knockout. He was overconfident that he'd stop Frazier. I thought he burnt up a lot of energy early in the fight because he didn't think he would need to go the full distance. When Frazier rallied from rounds 6 to 9, Ali started to struggle. I'd have to rewatch though to be sure.
What was the humidity during the Maxim-Robinson and the third Ali-Frazier bouts? In other words, the heat is only one of many elements when it comes to the weather, especially in New York City and Manila during certain parts of the year. - Chuck Johnston
Ali punched harder and meaner in those early rounds than I had ever seen him before of after. The definition of 'bad intentions. Ali had so much hatred for Joe and it was evident there. He fought in spurts. Ali could rest when he needed to but the pace of that bout is insane. Lighweights would of had trouble keeping up with Ali and Frazier in Manila. The ring lights and TV add to the heat.
I don't think Ali ever hated Frazier, in fact there were times when he showed that he liked him, but he would try and wind Frazier up to get under his skin before a fight and often took it too far. But Frazier definitely hated Ali during his career and for the rest of his life.
I don't know that it was an issue of the heat in Manila (not that it wasn't hot) or even the humidity (I'm sure it was humid too), but the issue really is that the gloves (horsehair padding) got waterlogged. You can imagine the extra punishment dished out as the gloves got heavier and heavier. It's one of the most brutal fights ever, and I find it hard to watch.
