Ali vs. Frazier I
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The “Fight of the Century” was one of the most hyped fights, if not events, ever. Featuring conservative and promoted pro-war Joe Frazier and anti-establishment anti-war Muhammad Ali, the fight set a record for the highest purse ever, $2.5 million for each contestant. There was much to contest over who would win, admitting that Ali did in fact “Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee” while Frazier was know to be the best puncher Ali would face until George Foreman. The fight was hailed as a success, as most viewers admitted it was a well received bout. Ali dominated the early rounds, however due to his lack of fights recently, he slowed as the fight dragged on. By the fourth round, Frazier had begun to even it up and they battled for another 7 rounds. By the eleventh round, Frazier asserted himself and pressure Ali with a few left hooks. By the fourteenth round, Frazier was leading the bout, score-wise, and in the fifteenth round he knocked Ali down, only the third time ever for Ali, however Ali quickly recovered. As the fight ended, Ali was visably tired and clearly could not keep up for the entire fight. When forced to a judges’ decision, Frazier won the fight unanimously. Frazier and Ali would fight twice more, with the “Thrilla in Manila” being the most memorable of the following two, however most boxing historians will admit, this bout was one for the ages and established both Ali and Frazier as all time titans battling on the biggest stage in the world.
