magnifier
Image
magbottom
 
Joe Frazer taking a shot at Mohammad Ali during the "Thrilla in Manila," October 1, 1975.
Close Window

Joe Frazer attempting to punch Mohammad Ali

Credit: (©CORBIS/Bettmann) Donated by Corbis-Bettmann.

A "Philadelphia Fighter" has always been, by definition, a brawler. He may not have been the most graceful practitioner of "The Sweet Science," but he packed a wallop and was tough to knock out. What Rocky Balboa captured perfectly on screen, Joe Frazier epitomized in the reality of the ring. Ironically, Frazier is remembered less for his heavyweight championship than for his unforgettable loss to Muhammad Ali in their third and most ferocious fight, "The Thrilla in Manila," on October 1, 1975. "Man, I hit him with punches that'd bring down the walls of a city," Frazier recalled after the bout." Said Ali, "It was like death. Closest thing to dyin" that I know of."

Back to Top