The fight was possibly the second most anticipated match in history, behind only the second Louis/Schmeling fight in build up. It was great, there is no denying that but the third fight between the two in Manilla was even better if you can believe it. Ali and Frazier will forever be part of the same sentence, they were that epic.
I have always considered Joe Louis's victory over Max Schmeling the greatest heavyweight fight in history, and in truth it very well may have been the biggest sporting event in history period. An American Sargent fighting a Nazi Paratrooper on the cusp of World War II with the whole world glued to their radio's cannot be understated. Joe's victory was the single greatest propaganda tool in the history of warfare. Literally, the whole world was watching and listening to that one, and it is still talked about with pride and awe by almost everyone. Hitler turned off Germany's radio systems before the fight ended and blacked out the ending for most of Germany, but the rest of the World went ballistic (pun intended).
Not even the Olympics held the world in thrall that like that fight did, it really might have been the single biggest sporting event in the history of sports.
I like that you pointed out how Ali vs Frazier I was a HUGE fight, and then the fight lived up to expectations. That rarely happens.
I don't think it was the greatest though. The Thrilla in Manila was a better fight IMO, to me the best HW fight ever.
I felt like Ali vs Frazier I was a great fight, but I watched it not too long ago and Frazier pretty much mauled Ali. I had it like 9-6 or 10-5 in rounds for Frazier, but it was most definitely a fun and exciting fight.
Another fight I would consider to be better than that was Larry Holmes-Ken Norton. Personally, my two favorite HW fights of all-time are Ali-Frazier III and Holmes-Norton.
It doesn't mean they were the greatest HW fights ever, but they're my favorite and therefore the greatest in my mind.
I think Ali-Frazier III or the Thrilla in Manila edges I out. The Thrilla was more brutal and unforgiving. Both guys were spent as a fighter after that,
maybe the best Heavyweight fight of all time it was Fraziers biggest moment of his career
I thought so then still do today. The buildup was great and the fight was too. What is the greatest heavyweight fight in your opinion?
