Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali (Part 7)
As far as the physical aspect of his game went, Ali was second to none. The great had a chin made of steel, a body carved out from cement and the ability to recoup his strength and stamina unlike anyone else who had ever stepped inside a boxing ring. His
ability to bounce back from a horrible position was truly a thrilling sight for all those who had the privilege of watching him back in the 60’s and 70’s.
The very first bout that Frazier had with the greatest boxer in the world was basically after the thunderous Ali had taken a forced three year break because he refused to go against his morals and religious beliefs. His lower body was not as agile as it
was before as he was stripped of his title and the license to box.
Moreover, he was out of form, lacking match practice. Joe on the other hand had been continuously training and fighting. Many believed Frazier’s victory was more circumstantial rather than a genuine triumphant win over the king.
It was after the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ that Frazier began pursuing the opportunity at a title shot against the once more undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World. Joe was simply craving for a chance to combat the King.
The mighty Frazier and boxing fans around the world had to wait a whole year for the marvellous spectacle to take place. The champ had several fights in between against very ordinary opponents.
When the time came, it was announced that Muhammad Ali would defend his title against Joe Frazier in Manila, Philippines on the 30th of September, 1975. The date had been set and the countdown had begun. The world and the media referred to it
as “The Thrilla in Manila”!
It was a matter of prestige and honour for both the heavy sluggers. In the period leading to the big day, the Louisville Lip took every chance to humiliate and verbally insult smoking Joe. He went as far as dubbing him a “Gorilla” on one occasion. In return
to the slurs, bad boy Joe had only one thing to say, "I want to hurt him. I don't want to knock him out. I want to take his heart out." Things had begun to get very hot between the two bitter rivals. This created more hype and impatience in the hearts of everyone.
When fight day eventually came, a colossal number of people practically stampeded Philippines Coliseum in Quezon City, just outside Manila. It was a battle between a man who had style and technique vs. a man who was a power hitter and could perhaps break
bones.
As many had predicted, Ali began as the aggressor, consistently exerting pressure on Frazier, constantly stinging him with a barrage of jabs and occasionally throwing lovely combinations to the upper body and head of the challenger. Every now and then,
he would receive a right or left hook to the head. There was no doubt that he was the successor in the first few rounds.
Almost half way through the fight, the Champion began to tire with his jabs causing little damage. At that time, smoky Joe immediately took advantage of Ali’s tired condition. Hi blows began to land hard on Muhammad. The defending Champion was quick to use
the tactic he had used against Foreman by reverting to the ropes.
The great Ali was fighting a different fighter, this was a man who had punches that felt like metal. The result was the champ getting battered on his shoulders and arms, which at that time became evident to all that it was causing him agonizing pain.
Frazier was relentless in his attacks during the middle rounds. His major weapon was quite simply his sheer power and his brilliant hooks. There were some moments where it felt as though Ali would succumb to the battering and take a fall.
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