“You look just like your little face, don’t you?”
On August 26, 1975, Muhammad Ali made a memorable entrance at a buffet honoring former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier at Manhattan’s Four Seasons. He pointed out the custom black t-shirt he and his crew were wearing, which displayed phrases such as “Manila” and “gorilla.”
Ali, often known for his bright personality and charismatic style, had a complicated past. He grew up as the twelfth child of a sharecropper in South Carolina, and the brutal realities of life forged his character. Vic Siegel of the New York Post reported that Ali was loud and bold, pushing Frazier, throwing wild punches, and even taunting the cameras as he egged his fans on.
The atmosphere mirrored a tumultuous era marked by significant events like Watergate and the release of “The Godfather.” During their epic debut at Madison Square Garden on March 8, 1971, Ali and Frazier’s “Battle of the Century” brought in a staggering $2.5 million. Ali had made headlines in 1967 by stepping away from boxing to oppose the Vietnam War, spending years in limbo until his eventual Supreme Court victory. He was eager to reclaim his title, especially after Frazier had won the championship in Ali’s absence.
Ali, once Cassius Clay, was not shy about embracing controversy. To promote an already sold-out fight, he used stereotypes against Frazier, portraying himself in a degrading manner to stir up interest. Frazier, meanwhile, was no stranger to the spotlight but was often caught between conflicting narratives during a time when many sided with Ali.
In their first fight, Ali’s speed and agility dazzled, floating like a butterfly and stinging with precision. Frazier’s relentless pressure brought him the middle rounds before a perfect left hook from Ali took Frazier down in the final moments. Frazier, however, managed to win that decision.
The rematch happened on January 28, 1974. Ali, having lost the title to George Foreman, faced Frazier again, but this time neither held the championship. Ali outboxed Frazier, who was still recovering from their previous encounter.
The final showdown, set for October 1, 1975, in Manila, was highly anticipated. Both fighters had exchanged victories, and as the heat intensified in the arena, the energy was palpable. Don Dunphy, the announcer, noted the oppressive heat that hung over the fight.
With an estimated billion watching from around the world, the “Thrilla in Manila” was marked by its sheer intensity. Ken Norton predicted an epic clash focused on both power and technique. Round One saw Ali using his reach to keep Frazier at bay, landing effective punches that thrilled the audience.
As the rounds progressed, Frazier began to find his rhythm. But Ali’s strategy involved absorbing punches and countering skillfully, reminiscent of his previous encounters. The fight became a test of endurance, with both athletes pushing each other to their limits.
By Round 14, Frazier was hardly giving up despite the injuries, taking numerous hits without backing down. As he tried to press forward, Ali increased the pressure, landing blow after blow, leaving Frazier increasingly battered.
In the end, Frazier’s trainer stopped the fight, allowing Ali to win the match. This victory was momentous, as it solidified Ali’s status, while Frazier, despite his bravery, could not continue. Ali later reflected on the struggle, describing it as feeling like death at times.
For those millions who admired Ali, his decision to fight on after Manila remains a puzzling aspect of his legacy. Yet, in the years that followed, some healing occurred; Ali even offered a late apology for his earlier provocations against Frazier, nearing the end of Frazier’s life.
The names Ali and Frazier will forever be interconnected in the annals of boxing history.
