When I went back and looked at this fight, I was struck by how much faster the pace was than with contemporary heavyweights: the action is almost non-stop for 15 rounds. Amazing fighters in a fantastic contest.
Absolutely true this was the best heavyweight fight I have ever seen and it was because of the pace and the talent of these two men. Frazier at his peak and Ali not the same fighter he was but still very very good. Ali rushed this fight and for good reason. The justice system had still not rendered it's decision that would could in June.
One of most brutal fights ever, 2 undefeated heavyweight champs under 30 which may never happen again ....Frazier was never same after this slugfest and manila really ended both their careers .
Teddy, you've had some fine moments in a long and storied career. Your comments over these last 20 minutes covering Ali-Frazier 1 have to rank among your finest! Thanks, my friend!
@@jeffa1302 You Ali Fan Boys Can’t Handle The Truth Frazier Killed Ali’s Body And Rearranged His Jaw No Way Ali Beat Frazier In This Fight. When Ali Retired He Himself Said He Tried To Find Any Loophole To Indicate That He Won This Fight But Could NOT Find Any And That Frazier Without A Doubt Won This Fight. Ali’s Fight Doctor Ferdi Pacheco Said That Joe Beat Ali As Simple As That So Don’t Be Decieved!!!
@@RobRivShowsLive01 Deception is ignoring that there were rumors that Joe died shortly after the fight. Or ignoring his battered face. You repeat a lie enough, you believe it's truth. If you believe Frazier won this fight, especially by Unanimous Decision, you're Smokin' Joe. Excuse me, I meant Crack.
@@jeffa1302 What? I've watched that fight umpteen times. I had it Frazier 9 - 6. He landed numerous punches to the body which is part of the scoring area and Ali negated a lot of the good work he did by holding so much. There were four close rounds that due to Ali holding so much it tipped it in Joe's favour and he got those rounds on my card, probably also how it went with the judges on the night. Joe definitely won that fight. Mercante had it 8 - 6 with 1 even, Artie Aidala 9 - 6, Bill Recht 11 - 4. I disagree with Recht's card but think Mercante and Aidala called it well.
Joe Frazier is my favorite boxer of all time. Never a tougher man in the history of the sport. As Ali said after their 3rd fight. “Joe Frazier is the greatest of all time next to me.”
Absolutely my friend! Marciano was just as tough if not tougher and Joe wouldn't have been able to close the deal as easy with just a left hook when it depended on it. Such as Rocky vs Ezzard Charles when Marciano's nose was split down the middle and they were going to stop it. If it was Joe all Charles would have to do is watch out for the left and the fight would have ended in a TKO win for Ezzard Charles. Respect to Joe for getting up like 7 times against Foreman but Rocky would have too and Foreman would have had a tougher time with Marciano because Marciano could close the distance better and threw bombs with everything not just a left hook. Rocky Marciano was a brutal brawler who never lost as a pro and was only knocked down twice in his career. Only six men escaped his devastating unending KO power.
Thanks for reminding me Teddy...In '71 right before this huge, huge fight is when I became a real sports fan...I was about to turn 7 in July so I was still 6 years old...living in Ft. Wayne, Indiana I had to go to Bethesda Hospital in Cincinnati to get my tonsils out during the fight. My Dad who was a nightclub owner & television host had the inside track to closed circuit...if my memory serves & my Aunt Carolyn who was an amateur artist took it upon herself to draw images of the fight similar to LeRoy Nieman. I got out of surgery the night after the fight & she brought me the pad & it was full of the pictures as how she saw it the night of the fight...No, I don't have it & can't remember what was done with it but thanks for reminding me Teddy that I have been a fight fan since before I turned 7 back in '71...I remember the hype from that fight...nothing like it since.
My good friend and myself watched that Ali vs. Frazier 1 "Fight of the Century". Not live but on closed circuit TV. You could feel the electricity in the air that night. Half the crowd was for Ali and half for Frazier. Then the fight. What a fight it was. Totally lived up the its billing and more.
Madison Square Garden. March 8, 1971... Everyone who was anyone was there. Life magazine, Ebony , Sports Illustrated captured the entire event. That really was the fight of the century!
I absolutely love listening to Teddy talk. A truly, TRULY one off! Thank you Teddy and of course Ken for giving to us all, respect, humour, accurate history, and integrity.
For those of us that were privileged to have lived through it, there will never be another. The fight transcended boxing. It was all anyone talked about, fan or not. Yeah, where did the time go?
@Senior Billy Bull that's a bit of a myth. I do believe Ali was close to quitting but his corner would get him out there for the 15th round. Frazier was in bad shape by then. I actually think this is the best outcome that could have happened. We all know Smokin Joe would never quit. If he goes out there for the last round, he would have been at least knocked down and most likely would get permanent injuries. This conclusion was the best for both their legacies
@Senior Billy Bull That's a False statement. Never happened. Ali was ready to KO Joe in the 15th. The 14th round of the Thrilla in Manila was his biggest round EVER vs. Frazier
@Senior David Anderson I stopped at the statue part. You weirdos need to bringing that up. While it took a little time, a statue of Joe is in philadelphia and another one right outside philly. Rocky statue wasn't commissioned or made by the people of the city; it was a movie prop that the production company gave to phily. Hmm, movie prop next to The Museum of Art? sounds about right to me. Probably Phillies most popular tourist sight, I'm not kidding. You see people travel and visit just to take a pic next to it and run of the steps that Sly did in the movie. Just about everyone in the world likes movies. They don't care about boxing. Nobody visits thinking Rocky was a real fighter. But if you love boxing, go see the statue. I know I did.
i was 10 years old at the time kids would fight in the school yard over who would win the fight still to this day the biggest boxing event in boxing history nothing comes close
As usual, Teddy is spot on. Teddy is a walking boxing encyclopedia. Teddy talks to your soul. I remember as an 11 year, I had to go to bed for school the next day. I had a AM transistor radio under my pillow and would listen to the DJ report each round of this iconic fight, as he received the information. I stayed up until it was reported who had won. I had to wait for my copy of Sports Illustrated to come in the mail to see pictures of the fight. These were the days before computers and cell phones.
This was simply the greatest heavyweight fight in boxing history. Ali-Frazier III was tremendous, but Ali-Frazier I was a closer fight, Frazier was in his prime, and Ali was 4 years younger than he was in their 3rd fight. Ali-Frazier I was so brutal that Frazier was never the same again, he spent 2 weeks in the hospital, and Ali was urinating blood after the fight. This fight cemented Frazier as the greatest pressure fighter/body puncher in heavyweight history. Rocky Marciano? Nope. Frazier was 20 pounds heavier, he had quicker hands, better defense, and he fought/defeated several fighters over 200 pounds. Mike Tyson? Nope. Frazier was a far better inside fighter, he had greater stamina, and his heart was 5 times the size of one of boxing's greatest front runners. IMO, when the 32 year old Ali defeated a prime George Foreman, he became the greatest heavyweight in boxing history.
Nope. I've watched the fight umpteen times and scored it. 9 round to 6 for Frazier. The difference in some of the close rounds (I had 4 very close) was Ali breaking off the action and holding so much. That tipped those 4 rounds in Joe's favour in my view. And Joe piled up a lot of points with punches to the body in that fight as well.
The decision was unanimous and no one at the time thought there was any doubt Frazier won .I remember …it’s very strange how all these Ali fanatics have sprouted up who you know never saw Ali in his fighting days .Some weird hero worship @@thespy7795
Joe frazier was in his best form 199 lbs of pure hatred for ali. Ali stated he was in great shape because he beat bonavena and quarry easier than frazier did. Ali also stated that the form we all admire and consider his prime (cassius clay) would lose to frazier because he couldnt withstand those punches pre exile. Smoke fought his best fight in ghe first one. He fucked ali up
Teddy made so many points in this conversation. All the reasons that made the fight so great. 1. And the most obvious, two all time greats FINALLY getting to fight 2. How divided people were as to why they were cheering for which man. 3. The friction between the two. Also mentioning Ali's ability to finish the opponent and hurt them despite people saying he lacked power. A lot of boxers who do a lot of moving have that stereotype placed on them. Tyson Fury for example. Not known for his power and almost considered a heavyweight Paulie Malignaggi...yet you see fighters respect Tysons power once they're in there. Also, anyone that big will have some power
"The world never got to see the best of Ali because of his refusal to be inducted in the Vietnam War. The time Ali was out (three years) would have been like watching a master at work, because he had reached his true proportions as a heavyweight. What you got was plenty, but the world never got to see the best of Ali " Angelo Dundee spoke those words . The second season of Ali that Teddy Atlas speaks of is amazing to have seen as well . Joe Frazier being champion of the world just couldn't beat George Foreman.Bless Joe's heart ,he tried twice to beat Foreman but he just couldn't do it ( the results were the same)...Frazier was K.O.d early in both fights by this monster nobody could beat. Than here comes Muhammad Ali at age 32 convincingly beating George Foreman ! You see Ali just didn't bring big George Foreman to the ropes tiring him out .Over the years people have misinterpreted "Rumble in the jungle " Many feel the only way Ali had beaten Forman was he tricked Foreman with the rope- a dope (all that bologna ) Ali had been sticking Foreman right from the first bell with vicious combinations..These punches that George kept taking through the rounds are what eventually sent George to the canvas .These lightening fast combinations greatly contributed to Muhammad Ali's success that night .Ali was filled with tremendous confidence that night ( it was written all over his face and body language) People over the years have also overlooked this important fact .In the Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier trilogy ,..Ali was the only one to truly beat the other. He stopped Frazier in Manila.Two of there fights went to the scorecards, and only there last fight did Ali convincingly beat Joe Frazier. Ali did close the show.Ali said he would retire Joe Frazier, and after the Thrilla in Manila Joe Frazier did retire. I believe Ali should have retired after Rumble in the jungle,or the Thrilla in Manila.
Frazier didnt retire after the Thrilla fight, he fought George Foreman a second time then for some crazy reason Joe fought again in 1981, then Joe retired for good.
Teddy your right that fight should have been stopped earlier... 'We went to Manila as champions, Joe and me. And we came back as old men. .. I'm an Ali fan but hats off to joe he won the 'fight of the century' on the night that two unbeaten holders of the belt faced each other in the garden.
If you’re a true boxing fan you cannot skip a history lesson like this from Teddy 👍👏👏👏👌👌👌 SALUTE TEDDY !!!! Just the passion you have for the sport and the history of it can make anyone fall in love with boxing !!!🥊🥊🥊
Ali Frazier was one of those rare “fight of the century “ matchups that not only lived up to, but exceeded the hype. Also, to be honest I kind of hate when people bring up the fact that Ali was not at his peak when this fight happened. Even if this is true, to me it just comes across as if people are taking credit away from Frazier and the career defining performance that he put on that night. Even if this wasn’t the young dynamo version of Ali from the early to late-60s, that 29-year-old version of Ali was still a great fighter who lost fair and square to another great fighter.
@@ATATURKdusmanlarininAMK_NJ Ali was still in his prime when he fought Joe. The back end of his prime but still his prime. His PEAK was somewhere between 65-67. His prime lasted until maybe 74. He may have lost quite a bit of the quickness from his early to mid 20's, but those 3 years in exile was also 3 years where he wasn't getting hit and producing wear and tear on his body. He still had his almost incomparable ring IQ and determination, with an added level of maturity in and out of the ring. Again, he wasn't even 30. Frazier was the better man that night.
I still don't understand how Ali immediately stood up after that knockdown. It was the 15th round of one of the most physical fights of all time and he got hit clean yet he didn't even look that shook when he got up.
I remember sitting with my father watching the fight when it happened and I was young! Ali was a technician and Frazier was more like a charging bull! 15 rounds of non stop action and two immovable objects! Those guys In today's heavyweight division would be unstoppable! Frazier would be knocking everyone out while Ali would be dancing around making fools of everyone! They made each other legends!
Teddy should talk more about psychology and the stuff cus thought him. He should Also talk about the workouts he would do with his young fighters. I think he needs to pass down cus’s knowledge to us young fighters in this generation. Teddy , Mike Tyson and Tom Patti are the only ones alive today that really knew cus (I think).
If Ali's speed, movement and reflexes were still as good as in the 60s he probably would have won, he almost won anyway, but Frazier fought an excellent fight!
@@650homesbyramy2 What does that prove he took punishment and so did Ali. If sending people to hospital is a marker of winning then I can say that for many other opponents.
@@clevelandwilliams5922 I agree, it’s not everything by any means. I respect both Ali and Frazier, but Ali to me is the goat. Watch him in his fight vs your namesake (Williams), that was the best display of boxing ever seen by the masses IMO.
Atlas is right on point with the fact that we had never seen anything like Ali in the 60's anybody who wants to see how unbelievable speed wise should just the Cleveland Williams fight. No heavyweight could move that fast and the thing is it's not even close. History has been changed by the fact that he was not allowed to fight from 25 yrs until late 28 yrs essentially robbing him of the best yrs as a fighter. I would imagine that he would have been undefeated until 1973 or so, at which time he could have been 51-0 now I do believe he would have been defeated after that at some point, everyone especially those who fights everybody like Ali did eventually loses. Ali also fought when the heavyweight division was at it's strongest by far.
Did you forget he survived a .357 magnum shooting that took 3/4 small intestines, kidney & 60 lbs of body weight. Plus Williams purse for the fight was garnished to pay for his medical expenses.
The Ali Frazier 1971 bout number one was I do believe the best fight between them because the punches were more vicious and many more landed punches in comparison to their bout 1975 bout ,,,the triller in manila ,a bout that had alot of missed punches
A question I always wanted answered by Teddy is how the fight would have went if it took place in 1968 or 69, before Ali had the title taken away. I'm pretty sure he would pick Ali in a more lopsided bout, but I wanted to hear Teddy's take on that.
After the fight Ali said..I was surprised to be getting hit by the same punch"...I don't useally let that happen..Joe had something about his left hook that he could land it on Ali...or maybe Ali was more of a stationary target?....interesting...the stratigies and how fighters match up is what I love about boxing...
I think teddy with all his knowledge on boxing history should do something like this with fights throughout the years going back to start of the 20th century, and expanding on the fights that happened. Sam Langford, jack dempsey , Harry greb , joe louis. That would be very interesting.nothing like the history of boxing..
@@karencarman8336 even a great fighter can get dropped in the heavyweight division...even ko'd...in any division...I don't see Ali having a major weakness against the left hook...if he did he would have lost all 3 fights to someone like Frazier...sonny Liston would have murdered him with the left hook...no Ali was a great great fighter who at his best had very little flaws
Everytime he was dropped was from a left hook, the Wepner knockdown was a slip, but every knockdown he suffered in his career, was from a left hook, he never had a defense against it in his career.
Styles make fights and styles make fighters.good analysis Mr.Atlas the Hell Raiser " Smokin Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali the Greatest Heavyweight of all times both Capricorns too. Thank You!!!
In my opinion Ali Frazier 1 Greatest Mega fight in boxing History they push one another in ring 2 Fighter want be great it never be another Ali of Frazier 2 Warrior
Ali could punch in his prime in the 60's... He put Zora Folley on Queer street in 67, like (Berbick vs Tyson) style, and he just wiped out Clevland Williams with awesome punches in 66. There were others too before he was champion. Ali had a powerful right hand that was deceptive, and the power was there for sure mate...
He knocked Zora out because he couldn’t see the punches coming. He was at his best during the Williams fight but had he had the power in his punches that he had during the first Frazier fight he probably would have stopped him even sooner.
Great video Teddy. I may not always agree with you but i sure do respect you a lot. You are Cut From a Different Cloth Mr Atlas. #TeddyAtlasIsBoxing 😊👊
I was to young to see that fight live but the Ali/Foreman rumble in the jungle was the one that made me a life long boxing fan shame boxing for the most part nowadays seems to be all smoke and mirrors with too much hyping guys up and steering them on a safe path to keep their O, apart from a few most of the top guys now don't even fight each other yet claim to be the best, Ali was the best, he fought everybody and losing was always a possibility. Losing dont mean the end it's showing you can come back even better that defines true greatness.
I was 10. I watch this fight in glorious mono. Ten! ; and I was focused totally on every round. I can remember the where, the when, and the why..I could not believe the ferocity of Joe, and the lethality of Ali's accuracy and hand-speed..Joe was terrifying: a bull; a killer of men. Ali was the matador that 'dropped his rapier, got gored' and lost.
I don't think I've ever seen Muhammad throw harder punches than he did in him and Joe's first fight. By the time Manilla happened, Ali was throwing piity pat shots that could hardly bust a grape yet he was still winning fights.
Eddie Futch stopped the fight it was because he grew up with Frazier from the days of Yank Durham. Frazier never hated Futch for doing that because of respect the Trainer/Manager and Fighter have and is loyalty and respect. But Fraser was capable of going out it was he couldn’t see anymore that pushed that decision. Frazier proved his muscle when his trainer manager stopped it because his heart was there all the way.
I need Teddy to elaborate of the Aljo Yan fight. Let's hear what wisdom has to say about this. Listening to this... I feel like its not going to end up well for Aljo.
Go read Frazier's auto-biography - Ali acted like a Punk They worked thru their differences and I think they're both up in the afterlife enjoying 15-round spars in their prime
Ali said things after the fight. He said We went to Manilla as young men and left as old men. Secondly he said if God ever called him to a holy war, he would love to jave Frazier fighting by his side.
The night before the fight Joe Frazier prayed to God to help him kill Ali. He fought like he was possessed by something. Unbelievable unrelenting stamina. And yet somehow Ali kept fighting back
The comments below raised what was different about Smokin' Joe and that bum Wilder, but as regards the stoppage by a concerned corner, I agree with you, Peace ;)
the greatest heavyweight fight the world has ever seen!!! the fight of the century was defo the right name for it!! no1 would of beat smokin joe frazier this night people forget how good joe was in his prime,he was ruthless and relentless!! but even tho he won this fight it took more out of him than it did ali,joe spent months in hospital and took 1year out of the sport, joe was never the same again after this fight he was a shell of himself when he finally come back after a year beating terry daniels and ron stander you could tell he wasnt the same fighter he couldnt pull the trigger like he did regardless of being 29-0 26ko's,and foreman just showed it even more! this frazier against foreman different story not saying frazier wins but my god frazier was a total different animal here than he was couple years later when he fought foreman. this verison of frazier id put against anyone this is him at his very best and when hes at his best he was pretty much impossible to beat! but what an era of boxing! RIP SMOKIN JOE FRAZIER & THE GREATEST MUHAMMAD ALI
I was born in 1957 and this fight remains as the hands down greatest sporting event in my lifetime. 😎👍
When I went back and looked at this fight, I was struck by how much faster the pace was than with contemporary heavyweights: the action is almost non-stop for 15 rounds. Amazing fighters in a fantastic contest.
Puts today's lot to shame. I think Ali Frazier 1 was the greatest fight of all time.
Different levels all round... the seventies were great in many ways
Absolutely true this was the best heavyweight fight I have ever seen and it was because of the pace and the talent of these two men. Frazier at his peak and Ali not the same fighter he was but still very very good. Ali rushed this fight and for good reason. The justice system had still not rendered it's decision that would could in June.
One of most brutal fights ever, 2 undefeated heavyweight champs under 30 which may never happen again ....Frazier was never same after this slugfest and manila really ended both their careers .
Great Analysis - Hindsight 20/20
It took a lot out of Frazier and then years later in Manila ended Ali
Speak for frazier Ali was still whooping up on those top heavyweight s
This entire conversation is pure gold as usual... you guys are the best
I guess Im quite randomly asking but does anyone know a good place to stream newly released movies online ?
Teddy, you've had some fine moments in a long and storied career. Your comments over these last 20 minutes covering Ali-Frazier 1 have to rank among your finest! Thanks, my friend!
Absu-Lootely!
Sent to my dad, now 80. We bonded over these fights.
Teddy is phenomenal. He is the all time great when it comes to covering the sport of boxing. No one else even close IMO.
This fight is such a masterpiece :-) Both legends deserved a golden medal and a billion... And both refused to lose, never...
Not too many fighters would have beaten Joe on that night. It was a culmination of all he was working for. He deserved every bit of that victory.
Lol. Ali beat him. Did you watch the fight with your own 2 eyes?
@@jeffa1302 You Ali Fan Boys Can’t Handle The Truth Frazier Killed Ali’s Body And Rearranged His Jaw No Way Ali Beat Frazier In This Fight. When Ali Retired He Himself Said He Tried To Find Any Loophole To Indicate That He Won This Fight But Could NOT Find Any And That Frazier Without A Doubt Won This Fight. Ali’s Fight Doctor Ferdi Pacheco Said That Joe Beat Ali As Simple As That So Don’t Be Decieved!!!
@@RobRivShowsLive01 Deception is ignoring that there were rumors that Joe died shortly after the fight. Or ignoring his battered face. You repeat a lie enough, you believe it's truth. If you believe Frazier won this fight, especially by Unanimous Decision, you're Smokin' Joe. Excuse me, I meant Crack.
@@jeffa1302 What? I've watched that fight umpteen times. I had it Frazier 9 - 6. He landed numerous punches to the body which is part of the scoring area and Ali negated a lot of the good work he did by holding so much. There were four close rounds that due to Ali holding so much it tipped it in Joe's favour and he got those rounds on my card, probably also how it went with the judges on the night. Joe definitely won that fight. Mercante had it 8 - 6 with 1 even, Artie Aidala 9 - 6, Bill Recht 11 - 4. I disagree with Recht's card but think Mercante and Aidala called it well.
Ali only had a couple warm up fights after a 4 year lay off.
Close fight, but the knock down made the difference
Joe Frazier is my favorite boxer of all time. Never a tougher man in the history of the sport.
As Ali said after their 3rd fight.
“Joe Frazier is the greatest of all time next to me.”
*Cough* Marciano *Cough*
@@firstlast1278 I didn’t say it. Ali did. You gonna disagree with him? Go for it.
Absolutely my friend!
Marciano was just as tough if not tougher and Joe wouldn't have been able to close the deal as easy with just a left hook when it depended on it. Such as Rocky vs Ezzard Charles when Marciano's nose was split down the middle and they were going to stop it. If it was Joe all Charles would have to do is watch out for the left and the fight would have ended in a TKO win for Ezzard Charles.
Respect to Joe for getting up like 7 times against Foreman but Rocky would have too and Foreman would have had a tougher time with Marciano because Marciano could close the distance better and threw bombs with everything not just a left hook.
Rocky Marciano was a brutal brawler who never lost as a pro and was only knocked down twice in his career. Only six men escaped his devastating unending KO power.
@@firstlast1278 you are taking what I said wayyyyy too seriously. Not everything is a comparison.
Eh, I'm just being realistic.
Thanks for reminding me Teddy...In '71 right before this huge, huge fight is when I became a real sports fan...I was about to turn 7 in July so I was still 6 years old...living in Ft. Wayne, Indiana I had to go to Bethesda Hospital in Cincinnati to get my tonsils out during the fight. My Dad who was a nightclub owner & television host had the inside track to closed circuit...if my memory serves & my Aunt Carolyn who was an amateur artist took it upon herself to draw images of the fight similar to LeRoy Nieman. I got out of surgery the night after the fight & she brought me the pad & it was full of the pictures as how she saw it the night of the fight...No, I don't have it & can't remember what was done with it but thanks for reminding me Teddy that I have been a fight fan since before I turned 7 back in '71...I remember the hype from that fight...nothing like it since.
Excellent Teddy. Teddy described Ali Vs Frazier perfectly. Perfectly!
My good friend and myself watched that Ali vs. Frazier 1 "Fight of the Century". Not live but on closed circuit TV. You could feel the electricity in the air that night. Half the crowd was for Ali and half for Frazier. Then the fight. What a fight it was. Totally lived up the its billing and more.
Madison Square Garden. March 8, 1971...
Everyone who was anyone was there. Life magazine, Ebony , Sports Illustrated captured the entire event. That really was the fight of the century!
I absolutely love listening to Teddy talk.
A truly, TRULY one off!
Thank you Teddy and of course Ken for giving to us all, respect, humour, accurate history, and integrity.
Your slow
Love these "dialogs" between Teddy Atlas and Kenn Rideout. And I love their way of being honest an realistic.
For those of us that were privileged to have lived through it, there will never be another. The fight transcended boxing. It was all anyone talked about, fan or not. Yeah, where did the time go?
"No one will forget what you did here today.” Eddie Futch to Joe Frazier at the end of the 14th round.
@Senior Billy Bull that's a bit of a myth. I do believe Ali was close to quitting but his corner would get him out there for the 15th round. Frazier was in bad shape by then. I actually think this is the best outcome that could have happened. We all know Smokin Joe would never quit. If he goes out there for the last round, he would have been at least knocked down and most likely would get permanent injuries. This conclusion was the best for both their legacies
Wrong fight. That didn't happen here.
@Senior Billy Bull That's a False statement. Never happened. Ali was ready to KO Joe in the 15th. The 14th round of the Thrilla in Manila was his biggest round EVER vs. Frazier
@@petegilgan6217 they talked about the third fight here
@Senior David Anderson I stopped at the statue part. You weirdos need to bringing that up. While it took a little time, a statue of Joe is in philadelphia and another one right outside philly. Rocky statue wasn't commissioned or made by the people of the city; it was a movie prop that the production company gave to phily. Hmm, movie prop next to The Museum of Art? sounds about right to me. Probably Phillies most popular tourist sight, I'm not kidding. You see people travel and visit just to take a pic next to it and run of the steps that Sly did in the movie.
Just about everyone in the world likes movies. They don't care about boxing. Nobody visits thinking Rocky was a real fighter. But if you love boxing, go see the statue. I know I did.
Love the way Teddy describes fighters. More on the great fights from history please 👍
ABSOLUTELY AWESOME COMMENTARY by Mr Teddy Atlas!
I not only heard every word but I felt it.., I Felt like I was there in 1971
Amazing episode. Would love to see more of these, classic fights in retrospect!
Man that ending on leaving flowers in Manilla was deep.. and so true! They really laid their lives on the line for the sport. Two Legends.
Beautiful explained Teddy 👏 That was fantastic
A very well put analysis about life fight and survival.
i was 10 years old at the time kids would fight in the school yard over who would win the fight still to this day the biggest boxing event in boxing history nothing comes close
I was 10 as well Greatest sporting Event not just boxing no super bowl, world series, or nba finals could compare with March 12 1971
What a fight! I was 5yrs old and swear I can remember this whole event. Amazing times.
My exact words .. sat with dad on the couch for all three what days what two great men and fighters.
GREAT SOUND EFFECTS. IT MAKES YOUR STORY TELLING EVEN MORE IMPRESSIVE. I AM SADDEN BY THER TERMINAL BRAIN TRAMA.
As usual, Teddy is spot on. Teddy is a walking boxing encyclopedia. Teddy talks to your soul.
I remember as an 11 year, I had to go to bed for school the next day. I had a AM transistor radio under my pillow and would listen to the DJ report each round of this iconic fight, as he received the information. I stayed up until it was reported who had won. I had to wait for my copy of Sports Illustrated to come in the mail to see pictures of the fight. These were the days before computers and cell phones.
This was simply the greatest heavyweight fight in boxing history. Ali-Frazier III was tremendous, but Ali-Frazier I was a closer fight, Frazier was in his prime, and Ali was 4 years younger than he was in their 3rd fight. Ali-Frazier I was so brutal that Frazier was never the same again, he spent 2 weeks in the hospital, and Ali was urinating blood after the fight. This fight cemented Frazier as the greatest pressure fighter/body puncher in heavyweight history. Rocky Marciano? Nope. Frazier was 20 pounds heavier, he had quicker hands, better defense, and he fought/defeated several fighters over 200 pounds. Mike Tyson? Nope. Frazier was a far better inside fighter, he had greater stamina, and his heart was 5 times the size of one of boxing's greatest front runners. IMO, when the 32 year old Ali defeated a prime George Foreman, he became the greatest heavyweight in boxing history.
I was 10 years old and the only Ali fan in my family. I cried when Ali lost. I still believe he won.
No he did not!
Nope. I've watched the fight umpteen times and scored it. 9 round to 6 for Frazier. The difference in some of the close rounds (I had 4 very close) was Ali breaking off the action and holding so much. That tipped those 4 rounds in Joe's favour in my view. And Joe piled up a lot of points with punches to the body in that fight as well.
Ali won the First 5 Rounds, Rounds 7, 9, 10 and 14.
@@marknorris1381 sf bum
The decision was unanimous and no one at the time thought there was any doubt Frazier won .I remember …it’s very strange how all these Ali fanatics have sprouted up who you know never saw Ali in his fighting days .Some weird hero worship @@thespy7795
Ain't NOBODY better than Teddy to see the humaness, and the glory in the sweet science!
It's been one of my dreams to go to Manila to honor these guys
teddys last sentence is so true and so sad.
The best match of the trilogy! Right in the cusp of their prime.
No way ali was in his prime but joe was had they fought a few years prior ali would have never got caught with that left hook
Ali was miles away from his prime, and even Fraser had terrible cataracts by this stage and could barely see properly.
Joe frazier was in his best form 199 lbs of pure hatred for ali. Ali stated he was in great shape because he beat bonavena and quarry easier than frazier did. Ali also stated that the form we all admire and consider his prime (cassius clay) would lose to frazier because he couldnt withstand those punches pre exile. Smoke fought his best fight in ghe first one. He fucked ali up
When I said cusp I meant that they were in the tail end of their prime.
@@bradleythompson2644 I meant that they were at the tail end of their careers.
Love this 💪🏽
CHEPO JOSE ...Good shout! Seconded!
Teddy made so many points in this conversation. All the reasons that made the fight so great. 1. And the most obvious, two all time greats FINALLY getting to fight 2. How divided people were as to why they were cheering for which man. 3. The friction between the two. Also mentioning Ali's ability to finish the opponent and hurt them despite people saying he lacked power. A lot of boxers who do a lot of moving have that stereotype placed on them. Tyson Fury for example. Not known for his power and almost considered a heavyweight Paulie Malignaggi...yet you see fighters respect Tysons power once they're in there. Also, anyone that big will have some power
"The world never got to see the best of Ali because of his refusal to be inducted in the Vietnam War. The time Ali was out (three years) would have been like watching a master at work, because he had reached his true proportions as a heavyweight. What you got was plenty, but the world never got to see the best of Ali " Angelo Dundee spoke those words .
The second season of Ali that Teddy Atlas
speaks of is amazing to have seen as well . Joe Frazier being champion of the world just couldn't beat George Foreman.Bless Joe's heart ,he tried twice to beat Foreman but he just couldn't do it ( the results were the same)...Frazier was K.O.d early in both fights by this monster nobody could beat. Than here comes Muhammad Ali at age 32 convincingly beating George Foreman !
You see Ali just didn't bring big George Foreman to the ropes tiring him out .Over the years people have misinterpreted "Rumble in the jungle " Many feel the only way Ali had beaten Forman was he tricked Foreman with the rope- a dope (all that bologna ) Ali had been sticking Foreman right from the first bell with vicious combinations..These punches that George kept taking through the rounds are what eventually sent George to the canvas .These lightening fast combinations greatly contributed to Muhammad Ali's success that night .Ali was filled with tremendous confidence that night ( it was written all over his face and body language)
People over the years have also overlooked this important fact .In the Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier trilogy ,..Ali was the only one to truly beat the other.
He stopped Frazier in Manila.Two of there fights went to the scorecards, and only there last fight did Ali convincingly beat Joe Frazier.
Ali did close the show.Ali said he would retire Joe Frazier, and after the Thrilla in Manila Joe Frazier did retire.
I believe Ali should have retired after Rumble in the jungle,or the Thrilla in Manila.
Frazier didnt retire after the Thrilla fight, he fought George Foreman a second time then for some crazy reason Joe fought again in 1981, then Joe retired for good.
That was fantastic ... thanks
Epic interview 💪🏾👏🏿👊🏽🙏❤️
Great great stuff
Thanks for sharing your knowledge
Salute from France 🇫🇷
Thanks Teddy and Ken. Great commentary!
Some forget to mention Ali Frazier one and if they do many give excuses. Same with the Norton fights.
Teddy your right that fight should have been stopped earlier... 'We went to Manila as champions, Joe and me. And we came back as old men.
.. I'm an Ali fan but hats off to joe he won the 'fight of the century' on the night that two unbeaten holders of the belt faced each other in the garden.
That part about dropping a flower over where the ring was in manila was deep
If you’re a true boxing fan you cannot skip a history lesson like this from Teddy 👍👏👏👏👌👌👌 SALUTE TEDDY !!!! Just the passion you have for the sport and the history of it can make anyone fall in love with boxing !!!🥊🥊🥊
Joe Frazier & Muhammad Ali are two of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
Code of the gladiators: we who are about to die, salute you.
This is about Ali and Frazier, leave the Jan and Izzy fight for later.
I can only imagine that the hype for this would be as close as you could get to having King Kong vs Godzilla.
Ali Frazier was one of those rare “fight of the century “ matchups that not only lived up to, but exceeded the hype. Also, to be honest I kind of hate when people bring up the fact that Ali was not at his peak when this fight happened. Even if this is true, to me it just comes across as if people are taking credit away from Frazier and the career defining performance that he put on that night. Even if this wasn’t the young dynamo version of Ali from the early to late-60s, that 29-year-old version of Ali was still a great fighter who lost fair and square to another great fighter.
Agreed ! Peace
I mean I feel u but there's no way frazier beating prime Ali tho
@@ATATURKdusmanlarininAMK_NJ Ali was still in his prime when he fought Joe. The back end of his prime but still his prime. His PEAK was somewhere between 65-67. His prime lasted until maybe 74. He may have lost quite a bit of the quickness from his early to mid 20's, but those 3 years in exile was also 3 years where he wasn't getting hit and producing wear and tear on his body. He still had his almost incomparable ring IQ and determination, with an added level of maturity in and out of the ring. Again, he wasn't even 30. Frazier was the better man that night.
I still don't understand how Ali immediately stood up after that knockdown. It was the 15th round of one of the most physical fights of all time and he got hit clean yet he didn't even look that shook when he got up.
I remember sitting with my father watching the fight when it happened and I was young! Ali was a technician and Frazier was more like a charging bull! 15 rounds of non stop action and two immovable objects! Those guys In today's heavyweight division would be unstoppable! Frazier would be knocking everyone out while Ali would be dancing around making fools of everyone! They made each other legends!
Frazier & Ali made one another without one there legacy would be nothing. So they are a hand and glove.
Hey Ken, Have you guys done a show about the great Willie Pep? His style is very relevant today, in MMA and in boxing.
Teddy should talk more about psychology and the stuff cus thought him. He should Also talk about the workouts he would do with his young fighters. I think he needs to pass down cus’s knowledge to us young fighters in this generation. Teddy , Mike Tyson and Tom Patti are the only ones alive today that really knew cus (I think).
If Ali's speed, movement and reflexes were still as good as in the 60s he probably would have won, he almost won anyway, but Frazier fought an excellent fight!
In truest sense of boxing Ali did win the fight
Ali lost that fight fair and square, get over it
@@edmonddooman9152 he did but Frazier took the worse beating. One month in intensive care, look it up.
@@650homesbyramy2 What does that prove he took punishment and so did Ali. If sending people to hospital is a marker of winning then I can say that for many other opponents.
@@clevelandwilliams5922 I agree, it’s not everything by any means. I respect both Ali and Frazier, but Ali to me is the goat. Watch him in his fight vs your namesake (Williams), that was the best display of boxing ever seen by the masses IMO.
Atlas is right on point with the fact that we had never seen anything like Ali in the 60's anybody who wants to see how unbelievable speed wise should just the Cleveland Williams fight. No heavyweight could move that fast and the thing is it's not even close. History has been changed by the fact that he was not allowed to fight from 25 yrs until late 28 yrs essentially robbing him of the best yrs as a fighter. I would imagine that he would have been undefeated until 1973 or so, at which time he could have been 51-0 now I do believe he would have been defeated after that at some point, everyone especially those who fights everybody like Ali did eventually loses. Ali also fought when the heavyweight division was at it's strongest by far.
Did you forget he survived a .357 magnum shooting that took 3/4 small intestines, kidney & 60 lbs of body weight. Plus Williams purse for the fight was garnished to pay for his medical expenses.
@@clevelandwilliams5922 lol sf
@@clevelandwilliams5922 Yes I am aware of that fact.
The Ali Frazier 1971 bout number one was I do believe the best fight between them because the punches were more vicious and many more landed punches in comparison to their bout 1975 bout ,,,the triller in manila ,a bout that had alot of missed punches
"The Fight of The Century!"
A question I always wanted answered by Teddy is how the fight would have went if it took place in 1968 or 69, before Ali had the title taken away. I'm pretty sure he would pick Ali in a more lopsided bout, but I wanted to hear Teddy's take on that.
Ali vs Frazier 1,amazing battle. God bless.
Spot on Teddy! Place a flower on the spot in Manila where these two fought! Place a whole bouquet. Peace All.
Excellent explanation Teddy!!!
Those were some dope ass trunks joe was wearing during that fight
The blue denim?...or was that the 3rd?
Has there been a bigger fight since?
Duran vs Leonard was pretty big
never a more legendary fight no
Only Ali vs Frazier 2
There have been plenty of bigger fights. This is just nostalgia.
@@pandabear1576 Could you name a couple?
After the fight Ali said..I was surprised to be getting hit by the same punch"...I don't useally let that happen..Joe had something about his left hook that he could land it on Ali...or maybe Ali was more of a stationary target?....interesting...the stratigies and how fighters match up is what I love about boxing...
Loved it
I think teddy with all his knowledge on boxing history should do something like this with fights throughout the years going back to start of the 20th century, and expanding on the fights that happened. Sam Langford, jack dempsey , Harry greb , joe louis. That would be very interesting.nothing like the history of boxing..
Andrew - check out Teddy's book co-written with Bert Sugar, - he does just what you asking for, enjoy! peace
Great story telling Teddy
Ali never could stop the left hook at any point of his career!
That's not true...Joe was the only one who really landed the hook with any regularity...he had a odd timing that offset ali
Bull! Henry cooper dropped him with a lest. Ken Norton should have seen given all 3 fights they had because of the lest.
@@karencarman8336 even a great fighter can get dropped in the heavyweight division...even ko'd...in any division...I don't see Ali having a major weakness against the left hook...if he did he would have lost all 3 fights to someone like Frazier...sonny Liston would have murdered him with the left hook...no Ali was a great great fighter who at his best had very little flaws
Lee Turton bull! He had many flaws! Yes a great fighter! But with flaws!
Everytime he was dropped was from a left hook, the Wepner knockdown was a slip, but every knockdown he suffered in his career, was from a left hook, he never had a defense against it in his career.
1971 I believe...lot of talk in the school yard over that fight...big big deal back then...
Teddy, how did Ali not only get up from the left-hook, but get up so quickly? That shot would have killed me!
Styles make fights and styles make fighters.good analysis Mr.Atlas the Hell Raiser " Smokin Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali the Greatest Heavyweight of all times both Capricorns too. Thank You!!!
In my opinion Ali Frazier 1 Greatest Mega fight in boxing History they push one another in ring 2 Fighter want be great it never be another Ali of Frazier 2 Warrior
Ali could punch in his prime in the 60's... He put Zora Folley on Queer street in 67, like (Berbick vs Tyson) style, and he just wiped out Clevland Williams with awesome punches in 66. There were others too before he was champion. Ali had a powerful right hand that was deceptive, and the power was there for sure mate...
He knocked Zora out because he couldn’t see the punches coming. He was at his best during the Williams fight but had he had the power in his punches that he had during the first Frazier fight he probably would have stopped him even sooner.
Great video Teddy. I may not always agree with you but i sure do respect you a lot. You are Cut From a Different Cloth Mr Atlas.
#TeddyAtlasIsBoxing 😊👊
Angelo did the same for Ali in the Holmes fight mere 5 years later 4 or 5 years.
76 was magical
5 million in 71 was the equivalent of 36 million today. Sounds about right.
I was to young to see that fight live but the Ali/Foreman rumble in the jungle was the one that made me a life long boxing fan shame boxing for the most part nowadays seems to be all smoke and mirrors with too much hyping guys up and steering them on a safe path to keep their O, apart from a few most of the top guys now don't even fight each other yet claim to be the best, Ali was the best, he fought everybody and losing was always a possibility. Losing dont mean the end it's showing you can come back even better that defines true greatness.
I was 10. I watch this fight in glorious mono. Ten! ; and I was focused totally on every round. I can remember the where, the when, and the why..I could not believe the ferocity of Joe, and the lethality of Ali's accuracy and hand-speed..Joe was terrifying: a bull; a killer of men. Ali was the matador that 'dropped his rapier, got gored' and lost.
I don't think I've ever seen Muhammad throw harder punches than he did in him and Joe's first fight. By the time Manilla happened, Ali was throwing piity pat shots that could hardly bust a grape yet he was still winning fights.
You must not have watched the third fight closely. Ali sat down on his punches and nailed Joe with impunity.
I stopped working literally just to hang out with Tony.....
Joe Frazier was never the same after Ali-Frazier 1.
The world stopped for this event
Eddie Futch stopped the fight it was because he grew up with Frazier from the days of Yank Durham. Frazier never hated Futch for doing that because of respect the Trainer/Manager and Fighter have and is loyalty and respect. But Fraser was capable of going out it was he couldn’t see anymore that pushed that decision. Frazier proved his muscle when his trainer manager stopped it because his heart was there all the way.
I need Teddy to elaborate of the Aljo Yan fight. Let's hear what wisdom has to say about this. Listening to this... I feel like its not going to end up well for Aljo.
Two rocks in the ring period..
What a fight
Go read Frazier's auto-biography - Ali acted like a Punk
They worked thru their differences and I think they're both up in the afterlife enjoying 15-round spars in their prime
Ali had never fought anybody like Frazier up until that point.
Joe Frazier on 3-7-71. A truth machine
So, when do we get to hear Teddy react to Jan's big win over Israel?
Check the description
@@ashutoshb1207 thanks
Ali said things after the fight. He said We went to Manilla as young men and left as old men. Secondly he said if God ever called him to a holy war, he would love to jave Frazier fighting by his side.
The night before the fight Joe Frazier prayed to God to help him kill Ali. He fought like he was possessed by something. Unbelievable unrelenting stamina. And yet somehow Ali kept fighting back
would the if not for the 3.5 if NOT would you still think the same ?
Ali took this fight too soon. However, he wasn't sure if he would be available to fight in another year because prison time was looming over his head.
Underrated Statement. You are EXACTLY correct!!
That's true?
Hey Teddy any truth in the rumor Joe beat up Mt Everest as a warm up to F.O.T.C?
Reminds me of Mark Breland stopping the fight Fury Vs Wilder 2
Except Frazier didn’t fire anyone in his corner and make a bunch of bullshit excuses afterwards.
Except one was a legendary close fight and the other was a legendary beat down
The comments below raised what was different about Smokin' Joe and that bum Wilder, but as regards the stoppage by a concerned corner, I agree with you, Peace ;)
@12:53 summed up the human condition perfectly.
Ali best fight even his los. Never give up
Teddy, I think that fight had 10 Mill split in two.
the greatest heavyweight fight the world has ever seen!!! the fight of the century was defo the right name for it!! no1 would of beat smokin joe frazier this night people forget how good joe was in his prime,he was ruthless and relentless!! but even tho he won this fight it took more out of him than it did ali,joe spent months in hospital and took 1year out of the sport, joe was never the same again after this fight he was a shell of himself when he finally come back after a year beating terry daniels and ron stander you could tell he wasnt the same fighter he couldnt pull the trigger like he did regardless of being 29-0 26ko's,and foreman just showed it even more! this frazier against foreman different story not saying frazier wins but my god frazier was a total different animal here than he was couple years later when he fought foreman. this verison of frazier id put against anyone this is him at his very best and when hes at his best he was pretty much impossible to beat! but what an era of boxing! RIP SMOKIN JOE FRAZIER & THE GREATEST MUHAMMAD ALI
will they talk about the jan-adesanya fight
Relax.
Dont think so maybe next episode
Don King paved the way for the multi-million pursers