THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 4 - MUHAMMAD ALI WINS SUPERFIGHT II
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 26 May 2025
Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier was called "Super Fight II", fought on January 28, 1974, for the North American Boxing Federation (NABF) heavyweight title. It was the second of the three Ali–Frazier bouts, and took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City. At stake was a chance for Ali to avenge his loss to Frazier in their first fight called "Fight of the Century" and even the score. The winner could set up a shot for the world title against then world heavyweight champion George Foreman.
The fight was tainted by Ali holding Frazier's head several times and pushing down on his neck, which referee Tony Perez did not regard as a violation under the rules. Ali's clinching dominated the fight. Many rounds were close and difficult to score and punch volume was unusually low for the two fighters, and for heavyweight boxers in general.
Ali landed 181 punches against Joe Frazier's 172, with Ali leading on jabs 37 to 5 with Frazier had more power punches 167 to 144. During their first bout Frazier landed 378 punches with 365 power and Ali connected 330 punches with 195 power. Frazier was more accurate, landing 42% of his punches to Ali's 25%.
Ali won a close but unanimous decision, with referee Tony Perez scoring it 6–5–1, judge Tony Castellano 7–4–1, and judge Jack Gordon 8–4–0.
The Super Fight II was considered as the least interesting and less hyped of their three fights. But it showed flashes of brilliance by both legendary fighters, and was described by the Associated Press as "...another great match between two different types of fighter, the slugger versus the master craftsman".
The Super Fight II was extremely anticipated at the time, though it lacked the sheer spectacle of the first bout, but it evened the score of the two great fighters at one win apiece, and it served to set the stage for the now historical battle royale between the two celebrated champions one year later in Manila for the World Heavyweight Championship.
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