Today marks the 33rd anniversary of the “Thrilla In Manila”. The famous fight between boxing champion, Muhammad Ali, and chief contender, Joe Frazier, transpired on October 1, 1975. The Philippines hosted the third match in Manila.
It was an instant heavyweight classic battle. Frazier, dented and damaged, could barely see Ali’s punches, jabs, hooks and stings by the time the fight was complete. His eyes were closing up quickly as Ali pounded punches and blows left and right methodically. Fourteen rounds of the finest fighting found Frazier with slits as eyes and blood-smeared lips. The brawl may have gone 15 rounds had it not been halted by the referee.
Many boxing fans consider the “Thrilla in Manila” the greatest fight in history. Rhyming Muhammad Ali created a climax leading up to the October event by guaranteeing a blowout win. Ali verbally assaulted and abused Frazier, calling him a gorilla and other derogatory, nasty names. He lived up to his hype, however, with a final TKO of Frazier. Joe was a warrior in the ring but was the clear victim that day. In the ring, Frazier defeated Ali when the two initially met in a Madison Square Garden 1971 match. A sequel three years later concluded with Ali pulling out the victory at the Garden. The third and most famous in Manila incorporated high humidity and a crowd of 28,000 in attendance. In a notable 13th round moment, Frazier even lost his mouthpiece and Ali’s strike sent it cascading across the ring. Both men limped out when the winner Ali was declared. Both will always be remembered for their will that day. The gifted boxers brought out the best in each other. Ali-Frazier is one of sports’ greatest rivalries of all time.
Joe Frazier knew he was overcome, yet he didn’t give up. His pride refused to let him surrender to the overpowering Ali. Sometimes fighting for what your heart seeks to win doesn’t result in anything but defeat. Frazier had to concede at his own game.
Another great October 1st sports moment: Roger Maris breaks the all time homerun record in 1961.
Parting points: I am happy for Ken Griffey, Jr. He made a great play in last night’s White Sox win over the Twins to throw out a potential run at the plate. I wouldn’t mind seeing him make it to the World Series after such a memorable career.
Song of the day: “Big Casino” by Jimmy Eat World
It was an instant heavyweight classic battle. Frazier, dented and damaged, could barely see Ali’s punches, jabs, hooks and stings by the time the fight was complete. His eyes were closing up quickly as Ali pounded punches and blows left and right methodically. Fourteen rounds of the finest fighting found Frazier with slits as eyes and blood-smeared lips. The brawl may have gone 15 rounds had it not been halted by the referee.
Many boxing fans consider the “Thrilla in Manila” the greatest fight in history. Rhyming Muhammad Ali created a climax leading up to the October event by guaranteeing a blowout win. Ali verbally assaulted and abused Frazier, calling him a gorilla and other derogatory, nasty names. He lived up to his hype, however, with a final TKO of Frazier. Joe was a warrior in the ring but was the clear victim that day. In the ring, Frazier defeated Ali when the two initially met in a Madison Square Garden 1971 match. A sequel three years later concluded with Ali pulling out the victory at the Garden. The third and most famous in Manila incorporated high humidity and a crowd of 28,000 in attendance. In a notable 13th round moment, Frazier even lost his mouthpiece and Ali’s strike sent it cascading across the ring. Both men limped out when the winner Ali was declared. Both will always be remembered for their will that day. The gifted boxers brought out the best in each other. Ali-Frazier is one of sports’ greatest rivalries of all time.
Joe Frazier knew he was overcome, yet he didn’t give up. His pride refused to let him surrender to the overpowering Ali. Sometimes fighting for what your heart seeks to win doesn’t result in anything but defeat. Frazier had to concede at his own game.
Another great October 1st sports moment: Roger Maris breaks the all time homerun record in 1961.
Parting points: I am happy for Ken Griffey, Jr. He made a great play in last night’s White Sox win over the Twins to throw out a potential run at the plate. I wouldn’t mind seeing him make it to the World Series after such a memorable career.
Song of the day: “Big Casino” by Jimmy Eat World
No comments:
Post a Comment