Even half a century later, the legendary clashes between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in the searing heat of the Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines continue to captivate audiences. Ali himself described their famous `Thrilla in Manila` as an experience akin to death:
“It was like death. Closest thing to dyin’ that I know of.”
Their brutal encounters over three unforgettable fights have eternally linked these two formidable opponents, ensuring that future generations will continue to revisit their epic rivalry. While much has been penned about their rivalry, understanding their personal statements before and after each bout offers unique insight. This article delves into historical archives to present their own words.
The Fight of the Century
Monday, March 1, 1971 – Seven days to the fight
Seven days before their first legendary clash, Ali confidently declared (as reported by the Chicago Tribune):
“Mismatch of the century. You’ll be reporting that Joe Frazier didn’t land a blow. That’s what you’ll write next Monday.”
Ken Norton, who trained with Frazier, offered a stark contrast to Ali’s bravado:
“You fight three rounds with Joe Frazier you feel like you fought 10. Ali may say he’s sparring 13 rounds a day but the thing is he’s not fighting three minutes every round the way Joe is. And when he gets in the ring with Frazier he’s going to have to fight every minute of every round. I don’t see how he can do it.”
(Chicago Tribune)
On Tuesday, March 2, Frazier conveyed his readiness:
“Yank [Durham] told me he’s seen what he wanted to see. I’m ready now. If they told me that fight was today, all I’d have to do is get my robe on and change trunks.”
(San Francisco Examiner)
Fight Night – March 8, 1971, Madison Square Garden
Frazier Beats Ali on Points
After the Fight – Tuesday, March 9, 1971
Reflecting on dropping Ali, Frazier remarked:
“I reached back for that one. That one came from the country.”
(Tucson Citizen)
Ali’s trainer, Angelo Dundee, downplayed any serious injury:
“Just a bruise. We had the jaw x-rayed. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
(Philadelphia Daily News)
Ali`s cornerman, Bundini Brown, confirmed Ali`s desire for a rematch:
“The first thing I asked him [Ali] was, ‘We ain’t through are we?’ He said ‘Get ‘em ready; we’re gonna set tracks.’”
(Staten Island Advance)
The Rematch – 1974
Monday, January 21, 1974 – Seven days to fight
A week before their second fight, both men commented on their strained relationship. Frazier stated:
“You could say we couldn’t live in the same house, and we surely couldn’t sleep in the same bed.”
Ali, meanwhile, clarified his feelings:
“Personally, I got nothing against him. I don’t like him as a fighter though. In the ring, he’s my enemy.”
(The Signal)
Friday, January 25, 1974
Ali’s pre-fight taunts intensified, focusing on Frazier’s lifestyle:
“That’s where Joe Frazier is now… Cadillacs, mink coats, diamonds… high heel shoes – don’t he look like a woman in them heels? I went through that stage, but that’s where he is now. That shows he’s ignorant. Cultivated people want to live like I’m living now.”
Sunday, January 27, 1974
Ali continued to assert his dominance:
“I am boxing. They need me. I don’t need none of them. I don’t need the title. I don’t need the rankings. I’ve got a billion people with me.”
(Independent).
Promoter Bob Arum commented on the depth of Frazier`s animosity:
“I have never seen one fighter hate another fighter more than Frazier hates Ali – I mean, just absolutely hates him. Frazier is gonna come in and try to absolutely annihilate him.”
(Independent).
Fight Night – January 28, 1974, Madison Square Garden
Ali Wins on Points to Even the Score
After the Fight – Tuesday, January 29, 1974
Following the fight, Ali acknowledged Frazier’s skill:
“Joe Frazier is good. I knew I was great. I didn’t know Joe Frazier was good.”
(Los Angeles Times).
Frazier, undeterred, immediately called for a third bout:
“I see no reason to stop. I definitely want him again. I want him one more time.”
(Los Angeles Times).
The Thrilla In Manila – 1975
Thursday, September 25, 1975 – Six days to fight
Six days before the epic `Thrilla in Manila`, concerns and predictions mounted. Ali`s doctor, Ferdie Pacheco, worried about his preparation:
“If he doesn’t spar soon he’s going to lose his range, his sighting of the opponent.”
(Evening Standard).
Frazier`s trainer, Eddie Futch, recognized the magnitude of the event:
“These aren’t fights when they get together. They’re happenings. And in the minds of most of the world, this next one’s going to establish the clear superiority of one man or the other.”
(Detroit Free Press).
Ali, ever confident, dismissed Frazier`s power:
“It is impossible for him to hit me with that right hand. Im-possible. I can take advantage of Frazier’s weaknesses, but he can’t take advantage of mine.”
(Florida Today).
September 30, 1975
The day before the fight, the fighters articulated their perspectives. Frazier commented on the financial aspect and the nature of boxing:
“I’m getting paid $2 million or more… there’s people get mugged all the time and get nothin’ to show for it. ‘Gettin hit… that’s part of the game.”
(Philadelphia Daily News).
Ali emphasized the historical significance:
“We’re like Jack Dempsey and Gene Tunney, like Joe Louis and Billy Conn, it’s a legendary fight. It’s like goin’ back into history.”
Frazier, defiantly, promised to endure:
“Anywhere from one to 15, I’ll be there. I ain’t going nowhere.”
Fight Night – October 1, 1975, Araneta Coliseum
Ali Wins the Rubber Match; Trainer Eddie Futch Stops Frazier After Round 14
After the Fight – October 2, 1975
In the aftermath of the brutal fight, reactions poured in. Eddie Futch explained his decision to stop the fight:
“Maybe Joe could have been seriously hurt in those three minutes. Is it worth it?”
Ali, exhausted, contemplated retirement:
“This might be my last fight. I’m gonna retire. Now let the young fellows fight.”
(Daily News).
Frazier, however, was not ready to quit:
“I’m not thinking about retiring now. I got a little careless.”
His wife, Mrs. Florence Frazier, wished for his retirement:
“He can’t take the punches any longer. I wish he’d retire.”
(Florida Today).
Frazier later praised his opponent:
“My man fought a good fight. When you see him and me in there together, you know it’ll be a good fight.”
Ali, in a moment of reflection, acknowledged their intertwined destinies:
“I got nothing bad to say about Joe Frazier. Without me he wouldn’t be where he is today. Without him I wouldn’t be where I am. We’ve been a pretty good team for the last few years.”
Oliver Croft