?THRILLA IN MANILA? TAKES CENTER STAGE AGAIN (CONCLUSION)
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 07 Apr 2009
Produced by Don King and shown in several countries worldwide by HBO, ?Thrilla in Manila? is ranked by ESPN's SportsCentury as the fifth greatest sporting event of all time in 1999.
According to Muhammad Ali's trusted physician and corner man Ferdie Pacheco, it was believed by Ali and his trainers that Joe Frazier has deteriorated by his shocking loss to George Foreman. Likewise, Ali had defeated Frazier easily in their rematch. Fans believed that Ali was doing Frazier a favor, giving him one last big payday before retirement. Because of this conviction, Ali?s training was mediocre, while Frazier?s preparation was intense.
The fight started at 10:45 AM, to coincide with international TV prime time. Ali started the fight trying to whip Frazier as Frazier was known for starting fights slowly. Rather than his usual dancing strategy to stay away from Frazier, Ali unleashed a barrage of punches on Frazier, who was hurt a number of times by Ali's assault in the first few rounds.
However, Frazier retaliated and kept punching Ali's body while taking several blows. Ali began to wear out due to the scorching heat of the stadium. The tide turned in favor of Frazier who landed left hooks to Ali?s head and body. Starting the sixth round, Frazier gained control of the middle rounds.
Ali tried to counterattack Frazier with fuming combinations, but Frazier was able to withstand them with persistent battering. Ali's corner was surprised by the consequences of Frazier?s left hooks on Ali.
In the tenth round, Frazier slowed down and Ali began to turn the tide. In the 11th round he used his trademark dancing style and made Frazier his open target, which cruelly battered his face and swelled his eyes. In the 12th round Ali continued to dominate Frazier, punching him at will as Frazier could no longer see Ali's fists.
In the 13th round, Ali struck Frazier and his mouthguard flew into the crowd. Ali kept hitting Frazier's mouth without the mouthguard and was badly cut at the end of this round. Frazier's trainer, Eddie Futch, wanted to stop the fight but Frazier pleaded his coach to give him one more round.
In the 14th round Frazier was almost blind and Ali dealt Frazier a severe beating, and Frazier was nearly knocked down before the bell ended the round. Futch decided to stop the fight between rounds rather than risk a knockout for Frazier in the 15th. Frazier protested shouting "I want him boss." Futch replied, "It's all over. No one will forget what you did here today," and signaled to the referee to end the bout.
At the same time, Ali was demanding Angelo Dundee to stop the fight due to his exhaustion. Dundee refused, despite Ali saying he will not come out of his corner for the 15th. Ali was therefore declared the winner and he subsequently collapsed on the canvas. He later stated, "Joe Frazier, I'll tell the world right now, brings out the best in me. I'm gonna tell ya, that's one helluva man, and God bless him. He is the greatest fighter of all times, next to me."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Maloney L. Samaco.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Villanueva to fight Antaran on April 27 in Gensan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 20 Apr 2025MASOUD AND MCGRAIL CLASH IN ALL-BRITISH SHOWDOWN
Sun, 20 Apr 2025Semifinals Conclude at 2025 USA Boxing International Open
Sun, 20 Apr 2025FM Arca is inching closer to his 3rd and final IM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 20 Apr 2025Weigh-In Results: Fundora and Conwell Ready for Golden Boy Fight Night in Oceanside
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Undefeated, rising Canadian prospect Eric Basran wins in Opening round to advance to quarterfinals of inaugural Riyadh Season/WBC Boxing Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia
Sat, 19 Apr 2025WEIGHTS FROM LONG BEACH
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Weights From Washington, PA
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Jerald Into Advances in WBC Boxing Grand Prix with Dominant Win Over Ahmad Jones
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Press Conference Notes: Keyshawn Davis Set for Homecoming Title Defense against Edwin De Los Santos at Norfolk's Scope Arena
Sat, 19 Apr 2025JAKE PAUL vs JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR / ZURDO RAMIREZ vs YUNIEL DORTICOS JUNE 28 in ANAHEIM
Sat, 19 Apr 2025June 8: Junto Nakatani-Ryosuke Nishida Bantamweight Unification Showdown Headlines Tokyo Super Card Streaming LIVE on ESPN+
Sat, 19 Apr 2025Thursday’s Action at the 2025 USA Boxing International Open Concludes
Sat, 19 Apr 2025H2O Sylve Returns to the Ring April 26th At Gateway Center Arena in Atlanta Amado Vargas Is Co-Main Live On BLK PRIME
Sat, 19 Apr 2025FM Arca bounces back, defeats IM Laohawirapap of Thailand in 6th round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 19 Apr 2025