One of the most iconic boxing matches in history, known as “The Thrilla in Manila,” took place on October 1, 1975, between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. This legendary fight was the third and final bout between the two heavyweight champions, and it lived up to all the hype and expectations.
The rivalry between Ali and Frazier was intense and personal. Ali had famously called Frazier an “Uncle Tom” and a “gorilla,” while Frazier saw Ali as arrogant and disrespectful. The first fight between the two, known as the “Fight of the Century,” took place in 1971 and ended with Frazier winning by unanimous decision. The second fight, dubbed the “Super Fight II,” saw Ali emerge victorious in a close decision.
Heading into the “Thrilla in Manila,” both fighters were in peak condition and determined to settle the score once and for all. The fight took place in the Philippines, in front of a crowd of 27,000 spectators, including celebrities and world leaders.
The match started out with both fighters trading blows, with Ali using his speed and footwork to outmaneuver Frazier. However, Frazier’s relentless pressure and powerful punches began to take their toll on Ali, who started to show signs of fatigue as the fight went on.
As the match entered the later rounds, both fighters were exhausted and battered, but neither was willing to back down. The heat and humidity of the Manila night added to the grueling nature of the fight, as both men pushed themselves to their limits.
In the end, Ali emerged victorious after Frazier’s corner threw in the towel before the start of the 15th round. The fight was stopped, and Ali was declared the winner by technical knockout. Both men showed immense respect for each other after the fight, with Ali famously saying, “It was the closest thing to dying that I know of.”
The “Thrilla in Manila” is considered one of the greatest boxing matches of all time and is a testament to the skill, determination, and heart of both Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. It remains a defining moment in the sport of boxing and a true testament to the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.