MUHAMMAD ALI VS. JOE FRAZIER III
Date / Location: Oct. 1, 1975 / Manila, Philippines
Result of first fight: Frazier UD 15
Result of second fight: Ali UD 12
Result of third fight: Ali TKO 14
Background: Ali and Frazier split the first two fights in arguably the greatest heavyweight rivalry in history. They had to do it one more time. And to say that the rubber match was not disappointing is a tremendous understatement. “The Thrilla in Manila” happened when neither Ali nor Frazier were at the peak of their abilities but the courage both displayed was inspirational, as they traded punishing – truly damaging – blows from the opening bell until moments before Frazier’s trainer, Eddie Futch, stopped the fight to save a badly beaten Smokin’ Joe from suffering further trauma. And if you think Ali was somehow spared, think again. The Greatest called his epic encounter with Frazier, “The closest thing to death.” Neither fighter was ever the same.