"In 1967, Muhammed Ali was stripped of his world heavyweight title due to his refusal to be inducted into the military during the Vietnam War. To fill the vacancy, the New York State Athletic Commission held a bout between Frazier and Buster Mathis, with the winner to be recognized as "World Champion" by the state of New York. Although the fight was not recognized as a World Championship bout by some, Frazier won by a knockout in the 11th round and staked a claim to the heavyweight championship.
On February 16, 1970, Frazier became the undisputed world champion when he defeated WBA champion Jimmy Ellis at Madison Square Garden by a fifth-round knock-out.
On March 8, 1971, at Madison Square Garden, Frazier and Ali met in the first of their three bouts which was widely called the "Fight of the Century" in pre-bout publicity and the press feeding frenzy.
Many factors came together for Frazier in this fight. He was 27 years old and at his lifetime peak both physically and mentally, while Ali, 29, was coming back from a three-year absence, taking on Frazier soon after a bruising battle with Oscar Bonavena, whom Ali had defeated by a TKO in 15.
Frazier lost a number of early rounds but took Ali's combinations without backing down. As Ali started to slow in the middle rounds, Frazier came on strong, landing hard shots to the body as well as powerful left hooks to the head. Frazier would win a clear, 15-round, unanimous decision and hand Ali his first loss.
Frazier's undefeated record of 29-0 and championship run would come to an end at the hands of powerful puncher George Foreman on January 22, 1973.
Frazier's second fight against Ali took place in 1974, in New York, with Ali winning a 12-round unanimous decision.
Ali and Frazier met for the third and final time in Quezon City (a district within the metropolitan area of Manila), the Philippines, on October 1, 1975 and was dubbed the "Thrilla in Manila". The fight for Ali's title, which was attended by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, caused another media frenzy and was seen live aroudn the world. It was far more action filled than the previous encounter (there was no belt at stake in the second fight), and was a punishing display that ended when Frazier's trainer, Eddie Futch, stopped the fight before the 15th and final round with Frazier sitting on his stoo. Frazier never spoke to Futch again. For his part, Ali described the match as 'the closest thing to death' he had ever experienced."
Frazier would finish his career with a 32-4-1 record. Thank You Wikipedia!!
Frazier was in town for a charity event and Steve and I felt we needed to meet the legend. We headed down to the event and were able to meet Smokin' Joe, Gerry Cooney and Daniel Alfredsson.
I was able to get to Joe's table and grab a photo with the two boxing legends.
Seeing Joe was great. He needs to walk with a cane now, but its always a pleasure to meet legends of any sport. I was able to get a boxing glove and photo signed by him.
He has a sweet graph.
Gerry Cooney was a really nice guy. Not much attention was directed towards him at the event with the presence of Frazier. The guy is huge. I won't put a background on him, but Don King named him The Great White Hope, creating a controversial battle of race between him and Larry Holmes.
Holmes would win by TKO in the 13th round.
I had already met Daniel Alfredsson, but it was great to get a photo with us both in suits.
His family had already left to head back to Sweden, but he felt that this event was important enough to stay in town an extra day and fly back to Sweden alone. Its great to see how much he does for charity in this town that goes without notice.
I hope you enjoyed the read.
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