Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier I
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- Опубликовано: 23 янв 2025
- March 8, 1971
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Closed Circuit Broadcast
Billed as "The Fight of the Century", this contest between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier would be the first time in history that two undefeated fighters faced each other for the heavyweight title.
In 1971, both Ali and Frazier had legitimate claims to the title of World Heavyweight Champion. An undefeated Ali had won the title from Sonny Liston in Miami Beach in 1964, and successfully defended his belt up until he had it stripped by boxing authorities for refusing induction into the armed forces in 1967.
In Ali's absence, the undefeated Frazier garnered two championship belts through knockouts of Buster Mathis and Jimmy Ellis. He was recognized by boxing authorities as the World Champion. Unlike Mathis and Ellis, Frazier was plausibly Ali's superior, which created a tremendous amount of hype and anticipation for a match pitting the two undefeated fighters against one another to decide who was the true heavyweight champ.
The fight itself exceeded even its promotional hype and went the full 15-round championship distance. At the end of round 14 Frazier held a lead on all three scorecards (by scores of 8-6-0, 10-4-0, and 8-6-0). Early in round 15, Frazier landed a left hook that put Ali on his back. Ali, his jaw swollen grotesquely, got up from the blow quickly, and managed to stay on his feet for the rest of the round despite several terrific blows from Frazier. A few minutes later the judges made it official: Frazier had retained the title with a unanimous decision, dealing Ali his first professional loss
This is the most most legendary fight ever, 2 warriors who literally left it all on the line in that ring for the glory..RIP Ali and RIP Joe Frazier
Yep. This is the biggest fight in boxing history.
Micky Ward and Arturo Gatti
Do you remember it I remember it I was only 8-years-old but I remember it. It was the fight of the century no doubt
Yes RIP Ali and Frazier x
@@stumarston6812 ok
P
When Heavyweights actually could fight for 15 rounds... Legends..
@Senior Billy Bull Have some respect he is no longer with us.
@Senior Billy Bull that’s awesome
@Senior Billy Bull Again, I don't know anything about his personal life, but I don't think that any wrong thing he did was comparable to Hitler. You dug yourself a hole there.
@Senior Billy Bull I like Ali but I feel you and I see where you come from
@Senior Billy Bull No offense, but I will take Mike Tyson's opinion over him more seriously than you since, you know, he was an actual pro heavyweight boxer who personally met Ali and studied him endlessly.
That and I don't think he'd talk so harshly of the dead, that's where I will really say this discussion should've ended there and then you don't do that ever.
I watched this live with my dad. I was 6 or 7. My dad was jumping up and down the whole time.
What a glorious time to be alive.
@Near2xyou must’ve failed math class
Wow!! Bless you man, and Dad.🙏
@@jonburrows2684 who are you talking about
he probably calculating his age and his dads to say he's lying.@@Ashfordallen
Right on breddah! That was me as well
No matter who you are rooting for, this is one of (if not THE) best boxing matches of the 20th century.
That is Thirilla in Manila
@@sivag2032 Thrilla in Manila is a pure slugfest, battle of wills. And both men are on the decline, with better fighters emerging.
Fight of the Century is also a battle of wills, but both men are in their prime. Ali is not in as good a shape as he should be, but he's a bigger guy than he was before and has an iron jaw, so I think here he's as close to his prime as he will ever get - and the technique is much better. The back-and-forth tension is higher. Considering all the factors, I would say this is a much better example of a boxing match.
"If God ever called me to a holy war, I want Joe Frazier fighting beside me."
(c) Muhammad Ali
He should did say that rip to both great man
@Gray fox rare opinion
Draft dodger🤣😂😆😁
@@williewilson1206 the Vietnam war was entirely fabricated and unlawful. Would you fight in it?
@@inigomontoya8943 I was to young at the time . What about you ? Now ......ask your self the same question ! Now which foot are you standing on ?
It’s September 12th, 2022 and I, a 27-year old man in living in Pennsylvania, United States, am sitting in my car and watching Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier I for the very first time in my life.
What a day
Was it everything you hoped it would be?
Enjoy
2 and 3 come next, and the trilogy is the pinnacle of combat sports in the 20th century -- Yes, enjoy!
Be sure to watch 2 and 3
I am also 27 watching this in my car, from California though lmao
Kinda crazy to think that almost all these people in this video have most likely passed away and we’re here, watching one of the most legendary fights 50 years later with a push of a few buttons..
Edit: i’ve started a war
And Bob Arum is still somehow alive
@@Ffeoli1039 And Don King Lol Speaking of King, he was listening to this fight on a radio while in prison, and he had a bright idea...
All praise is due to God.
@@tarikmahdi8308 No, all praise is due to nature. Because God does not exist.
@@cutuwayIt’s great that we are equally free to express ourselves. I wish peace to you and your loved ones.
37:06 Frazier just grabbing Ali and forcing him to the middle of the ring to fight is PEAK greatness. He knew they were there to give those people what they paid for. And he knew that Ali was better than that. They don’t build them like Joe anymore. That’s real shit.
That was such a gansta move by joe😂
Yeah and that move was so iconic that they replicated it in ROCKY. So badass! So much love for Frasier. Ali as well.
Foreman wishing he thought of that 🤔
Bro that shit gave me chills the passion 😢
26:05 and what was this?)
No matter how many years pass this fight never gets old. A excellent display of boxing Skill, Endurance and Heart!!
I watch this trilogy like a movie! I’m 29 lol
Still best in history RIP real legends of the sport
@@YouLOVECarter me too 34 years of age I love boxing history don't like how prizefighter has turned out
@@leemiles3975 34 too, it brings tears to my eyes when i think of this trilogy, both men destroyed one another, they left their soul in the ring and were never the same after the trilogy. Both took so much of each other, that's what happens when two legendary warriors clash.
@Fernando Maron yeah Frazier was like a lump of iron that hit back very hard no matter what Ali hit him with was not stopping him how can anyone compete with that....
Ali said he hit him about 90 times in the fight and gave him a "terrible beating" and watching it know I know exactly what he means. But Frazier just kept on coming, I have no idea how. We're lucky to be able to watch this piece of history for free any time we want.
Look how he bobbed and weaved that first round. Muhammad had to punch down and lose his speed and power swing down. While Frazier had the momentum to punch up and keep all his power at the cost of distance. By doing the Dempsey roll (also another cus d’amato student) he was able to keep the distance and cut off the ring almost non stop.
Joe scored heavily to the body in this fight, all part of the scoring area. Ali's shots were all to Joe's head.
Ali set himself up when he called him an Uncle Tom. Frazier didn't want to defeat Ali. He just wanted to beat the dog shit out of him. For isolating from his community right after getting him back his license. Frazier waned blood.
@@Inthatgoodway That was a dangerous tatic by Smokin Joe, it might be effective in slowing Muhammad down, but the bobbing definetly left him open many times. He placed all trust in his granite chin and it paid off, survived a storm of punches and scored a knockdown in the end. A very dangerous move, but it just shows the greatness of Smokin Joe Frazier, a lion among men, both of them.
@@marknorris1381 That's Joe's style of boxing, he works the body to the point where the opponent lowers his guard to defend it, then he automatically switches to the head. Watch other fights of his to see what i mean.
Watching the 15th round again, Joe hit Ali a few times after the knockdown, that were harder than the punch that knocked him down. It would have been lights out for any other fighter. What a pair of warriors.
it's amazing how great and tough Ali and the fighters he fought were. Today's fighters don't fight enough or get hit enough to truly understand how magnificent the fighters from these past era's were.
Yes. Frazier tagged him good when Ali was up against the ropes but he may have gone down again on his back if not for the ropes. 1:04:32
@@Torgo1969 that left u pointed out would have floored anyone at that point of the fight after all the fatigue and punishment. Anyone other than Ali.
It's so sad that people think these boxers are the most agile humans. They are built by strength and endurance. Agility was the fourth skill they learned after perception.
Who do you think was the tougher fighter Ali or Frazier?
i watched this in full for the first time, and what a fight. i never realized how much of a warrior Joe is, watching this made him one of my favorites. Ali and Frazier both fought like gladiators with their life on the line. what i would give to have witnessed this in real life. RIP to both of these legends, this fight will be watched and talked about another 50 years from now.
That pace man, unreal. There won’t ever be heavyweights like that anymore. They really define the word legendary. Smokin Joe is savage, Muhammad Ali is savage. Best heavyweight fight I’ve ever seen
@Josh Traffanstedt you got that right Josh
@Conway Twitter How about their third bout ?
I admit I consider this to be the most important and exciting of the trilogy -- Ali was an un-beaten ex world champ , and Frazier is the current un-defeated champion.
I thought Joe won it and the referee was about right scoring 8 - 6 - 1 Frazier.
The excitement in the run up, was the most of the three fights.
Great win for Joe, and Ali displayed great
courage, despite the punishment (which he wasn't used to.)
Yea ped’s do wonders….
@@AntiPeoplePersonsThen why can't today's heavyweights fight like that for 15 rounds, most of them are juiced to the gills!
@@AntiPeoplePersons did they really used them?
Happy 50th anniversary to this gem 💎
RIP to both kings
If we dont get that statue of him before the 67th anniversary I'll feel so disappointed
@@dm3402 Pay off the money for it then
@@jumalakohtuotsus4174 Tell me where to and I'll send
For Real…..👊🏽
What’s crazy to me is how damaged Joe’s face was from Ali yet Frazier never backed up or took a back step. To me that’s the most badass thing is when you look damaged but you can still say “you should see the other guy”. RIP both of these relentless warriors
That's because Frazier was fucking nuts back then
When they were in the ring and joe wouldnt go done Ali asked him are you crazy and he said yes I am🤣
Frazier was a straight savage.
Yeah, Joe was the 2nd hardest (confirmed) puncher in history after Marciana. "Joe hit harder than Geroge Forman" - Ali. And from Larry Holmes, "Getting hit by Joe was getting hit by a truck full of concrete". I think this says even more to what we saw here!!!
@@CJ-my6hyu
The sound recording adds to the fight, you can hear every punch thrown. Incredible.
Yeah the mics were above the ring. Literally the same mics the announcer was talking into.
Joe Frazier’s head movement, punishing body shots, and crisp left hook were the perfect tools to upset Ali.
His "head movement" didn't do much to escape Ali's jabs. At the end of the fight, Frazier's head looked like a balloon and he was applying ice packs to it.
@@lwmson didn’t joe beat him twice?
@@adenhaigler2164 No he didn't. Frazier won this bout by decision and Ali won the two rematches. To say otherwise would be revisionist history or delusion.
@@lwmson I gotcha I didn’t know that’s why I asked
@@lwmson in the later rounds his head movement and cross block were almost nullifying alis jabs, he always had trouble with his right hand though
I watched this as a kid in 1971. Beautiful. Two boxing immortals.
I also scored this 9/6 for Frazier on the basis of how they scored, just on rounds. There were 4 rounds that could have been even but due to Ali holding so much I gave them to Frazier. On a 10 point system I had it 144 - 139 for Frazier due to the 15th round being 10 - 8, the eleventh I thought was also 10 - 8 to Frazier as well. This really was one of the greatest fights of all time, I've changed my mind having watched it again a few more times, I think it shades Manilla.
Wow... Sure your name isn't Chuck Norris, Ha ha... Just imagine those who watched the gladiator Spaticus fight!
You were probably too young
I give Frazier so much respect for all the energy he used in his fights by bobbing and weaving for a whole fight.
It’s much tougher than it looks.I think it’s tougher than dancing around the ring for 15 rounds.
They are BOTH Tough. Bc both styles require recovery after being hit. Joe has to absorb Ali's punching and make him miss. Ali has to dance to stay away from those heavy thundering body blows and has to recover from those blows for 15 rounds. Ali was always a little more tired than Joe bc he had to use more energy throwing combinations, knowing what quick punches to hit Joe with and also his timing had to be right. Bc Ali kept holding and throwing all of his weight on Joe, Joe said that's what took a lot of toll out of himself. I think Alis dancing is more tougher bc it's good for 5 rds with Joe but 15 with Joe❓❓❓ It was harder for Ali than it was for Joe just to stay standing.
@@luvbyrds9728 joe has to bob and weave constantly and he threw hard lunging punches which is exhausting to do. Ali being taller can just Lean on joe and hug all day and tire joe out. Ali throws combination but not with a lot of power which isn’t really taxing. I believe joe had to work even harder
@@bigdummy5574 it's not a big dick contest on who's style is more exhausting, they're both great fighters that work around their skills. Ali just happened to he better
Frazier & Tyson had the same peekaboo style really similar!
@@mattchumoore4214 Ali was the better fighter but Ali didn’t work harder then joe he actually worked smarter
im 19 and just got to watch this.. Thank you technology
Who do you think won based on what you watched?
Im 18 and share the same sentiment
This is probably my 20th time watching this fight...each man left a piece of them inside the ring that night. Such an amazing fight, but brutal. The damage these guys took in this fight was unreal. They both were never the same after this...the sound of the body shots...such raw power.
You're damn right man !
They certainly were never the same after their just as brutal THIRD fight.
@@LITTLE1994 Manilla left Ali and Frazier scarred for eternity.
Amen. Them 'Body Shots' often overlooked/underrated on the damage scale tbf
Ali sucks he lost. Not floyd
That left hook from Frazier is pure evil. Ali seemed to get more punches in, but the power punches from Frazier were devastating.
@L. Bradley Philadelphia didnt erect that statue,Bernard Hopkins paid for it,Philly didnt pay a dime.
That's exactly what I was thinking watching this. Frazier takes a bunch of hits but brushes them off. When Frazier strikes Ali you can tell he feels it
@@joshuatree5620 Frazier wasnt' very fond of Philly and prior to this fight, Philly didn't really embrace Frazier either. I'm surprised they introduced him as being from Philly. He did live there but he was from NC and that's always what he considered to be home. They introduced Ali as being from KY but I think he lived in Philly also at the time of this fight.
Tyson also used the left hook death blow. Sometimes he only relied on right hook and uppercut to win, but when needed the left bomb dropped.
Joe threw several powerful lefts that I think could have ended the average fighter certainly any and every time. His left was brutal.
Even though Frazier won the fight, I'm just as impressed with Ali getting knocked down in the 15th round after all of those hard blows, and then getting right back up despite how incredibly fatigued he was. This was an amazing display of determination and physical and mental toughness by both fighters
Best heavyweight fights ever . Ali vs Frazier 1 and 3
I think 1 was the best. 3 is the greatest battle of wills, but not an ideal display of the sport of boxing. Both fighters were past their prime by then. 1 was when Frazier was at his peak and Ali as close as we ever saw him. The technique on display is much better, the back-and-forth drama is nearly as good and the knockdown is so iconic. @@waynewhite5401
If you watch better...You gonna note..we can say the same thing for Frazier...Frazier takes some many punches too and he wins at the end....it means Frazier was better than Ali
@@interventionnecessaire7299No need to state the obvious. Ali's will power was simply out of this world.
Frazier's face looked like a giant grape by the later rounds, and he just kept on coming.
This fight was one of my favorites for sure, and one of the best parts was when Frazier copied Ali's own style at 24:55, when he was talking to him and dodging him with ease, just like Ali does in his other fights. Legendary.
I love Ali, but Smokin’ Joe was a true bad ass till the end. Unbelievable how he goes full throttle, 15 rounds with The GOAT. You have to admire both fighters, but Joe definitely deserved the win.
True
Remember, Muhammad Ali was stripped of his profession for more than 3 years, an eternity for a professional boxer. Ali lost some of his reflexes and sharpness and could not dance as he used to due to his lack of fighting. The outcome of this fight would have been very different if his boxing license had not been revoked!!
@@pikenova48 nah Ali got worked
@@jean-claudechucklee7911
Do you think if Frazier had been out for 3 years, he would have been as devastating as he was in that fight? Your comment needs to be more specific and professional. What does "got worked" mean? All professional athletes must be active to compete at peak levels. To perform as a professional boxer is even more demanding. And, despite winning the fight, Frazier was never the same again; he was finished as Foreman destroyed Frazier in their fight.
Watching Joe Frazier here reminds me of watching videos of Rocky Marciano fight.
I TRULY AGREE! THIS WAS THEE FIGHT OF THE CENTURY! RIP TO TWO BOXING LEGENDS!
Rome v Carthage, Germany v.World, France v. Prussia, Greece v. Persia, Ali v. Frasier
in my opinion, BEST FIGHT EVER period.
Kevin Wilkins eh I prefer Thrilla in Manila.
I would agree. Frazier was at his absolute peak, and Ali was still relatively young (29) and very good, however, not quite the same fighter as he was pre-1970, understandably. A great fight that more than lived up to the hype.
The chins on these fellas is unbelievable!!!
2 of the best ever
@@jamesanthony5681 What do you mean he beat him there next 2 fights.
The greatest fight ever. No hype needed. Ali and Frazier didn't like each other but the respect between them... . incredible.
...Frazier did not gain authentic respect for Ali until very late in their lives... rembering Smokin' Joe in the 80's reflecting on the rivalry between he and Muhammad and talking about how Ali's antics made it hard on his children in school... he had every reason for his contempt for Ali... (does not mean Ali was NOT the greatest... jus' sayin'...
@@markonit why it's gonna be a thrilla and a Killa, when I get the gorilla.............. In manilla a.k.a. Muhammad Ali 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I think deep down Ali did like Frazier I really believe in my heart he was just psyching himself up for their fights bc he did recognize Joe as a great opponent but Joe unfortunately took everything to heart
He definitely deserved that win... How does he have so much energy to last all rounds. That's mad.
When asked how he does it, how they could be like him, Joe just looked at them and said "just do the fucking work"! NO ONE trained harder than Joe. He was barely a Heavyweight, shorter with less reach than most, so he had no alternative. He worked harder than the rest.
@@michaelfugate2404 Ali never went to the body.
@@karatehb try infighting with Joe Frazier and see how that works out for you?
@@karatehb agaisnt Joe Frazier you would get Your head taken off the moment you drop your hands.
Imagine if Joe cut down to light heavyweight. He'd be knocking out everyone. He probably never would have loss.
Unbelievable how joe keeps attacking with such energy
Crazy thing was joe was blind in one eye and his good eye was giving out
@@domin8tion651fr?
@@ahmedfiasco6412 yep. He also had a farm accident when he was a kid and cuz of poverty his parents couldn't take him to the hospital. Because of that his left arm can't get fully extended.
@@ybs09 so what’s your point?
He won so stfu
People sleep on Joe Frazier, Joe was one of the most dangerous heavyweights in his prime, he was accurate, he was quick, he was strong, and he was smart. His head movement was incredible.
No people don't sleep on fraizer. He's regarded as one of the best heavyweights of all time. Stop with this unoriginal nonsense just pandering for likes. It's embarrassing.
Foreman destroy that smoke
@@jamalyoung-zq9gl Oh he most certainly did
This is extremely well known people don’t sleep on joe lmfao stop
Joe's an immortal of the sport.
I watched it live on TV. It's great to watch it again in my senior years
Frazier was practixally blind in his left eye in all of his fights with Ali . and still managed to give Ali his first loss
Happy someone recognized that👍
@@master.fong777 yes if people actually learned truth instead of what the media puts in there face they woukd know. But everything is a popularity contest .good to know you see that as well
smiley7 Exactly man. People can praise Ali as long as they want but at least give credit to Frazier for the fact that Ali put the third fight with him as “the closest thing to death.”
@Corey Campbell no he was legally blind not totally blind on one eye when he fought Ali even partially blind in a pro match against Ali is still a disadvantage but still have him his first loss
Corey Campbell He became legally blind in 1969-1970 after a shard of glass went into Frazier’s left eye. Frazier and Futch talked about this later on.
The atmosphere, the tension, the hype; everything back then must have been something to experience..
🥤🍷🍯🎂🥠🍠🥫🍳🍕🧀🥜🥔🍒
The NFL and the NBA were much less popular, pro boxing, not to mention horseracing, was much more popular, in the USA, then, than they are now.
They both fought like champions. In the 15th, the crowd gave them an appreciative ovation. Amazing battle.
That's because both WERE champions, and in this fight, they both had the title
@@LITTLE1994 Yeah, and both had zero losses
"Ya see den dat dat hit was had monumentousness. An dat lef hook hit, and when leg crumbles, the leg crumbles." Brilliant broadcasting from locally sourced punchy analyst. "If he an him gonna fight in duh ring, they gon hit eaf udder." Given him an Emmy.
Any man with a man-child pic like yours I ain't interested in hearing what he has to say.
Arguably, the biggest and most famous boxing match of all time! 1971. Ali vs. Frazier at Madison Square Garden in New York City! Two legends that were undefeated got after it for the heavyweight championship of the world!! R.I.P. to Muhammad Ali and R.I.P. to Smokin' Joe Frazier!
Every famous person in New York City was there. The fight was more than just a fight! It was an event of magnificent proportions.
Most heavyweights today get exhausted just from watching this, tremendous action all the way through.
Absolutely no comparison from these men to the heavyweights of today,these men were as tough as it gets,they were ANIMALS
For sure. This is faster paced than what we see nowadays.
Tyson fury vs wilder //Total punches from fury in 12 rounds was 332 ////Ali in 66 vs chuvalo threw over 💯 punches and landed just about 100 in ROUND 15 alone
@@active.7universal that can’t be true. Even since wilder is a power puncher
@@Narration___Nation go watch the first bout and count the punches from fury ///not both combined I said just fury total punches//then go watch Ali chuvalo 1 in 1966 go to round 15 JUST round 15 and count Ali punches//insane stamina by Ali in his prime
Quoted: "FRAZIER EXITED THE RING 10LBS LGHTER THAN HE WAS WHEN HE ENTERED THE RING"!
Damn Frazier was a True WARRIOR!👊🏾
I'm here in 2020!👀
that was thrilla in Manilla 😠
It was this fight that happened not manilla
@@alover466 it wasnt it was this one
@@ndungeon2990 I disagree but ok 😒
@@alover466 well you cant disagree with facts this was also the one where after it Frazier spent 1 month in the hospital to recover he was that drained
My favorite fight of all time. RIP to both warriors.
This and Manilla. I think this slightly shades Manilla though.
1 warrior and 1 draft dodger
@@jonburrows2684who cares i would draft dodge to i ain’t tryna die take me to prison for 5 years lol
Countless students and others left the country so they didnt have to serve either. That war was one of the most unpopular and controversial in US history. Thousands of mothers buried their young sons as a consequence of Vietnam.. Was that a noble thing? Had the US been attacked and forced to fight on American soil? Why was the US even involved? Ali wasnt the only one to declare "conscientious observer" status. The courts cleared him later on, unanimously. You approve of conflict and weapons that much? So do too many young people at schools that children and teenagers attend and have lost their lives at.
@@leonardcharles59 Seems that’s the American way… I could see if the US was attacked but they get involved in too many wars that have nothing to do with them.
These 2 men were BIGGER then The Super Bowl ⭐️⭐️❤️
I watched this fight for the first time, and Joe deserved that win, he is just another monster and very energetic. I hurts watching my man Ali being really tired. A great fight indeed!
Frazier dictated the tempo of the fight. He kept Ali on the ropes and Ali was kept busy keeping Joe away from him. That exhausted Ali, as Joe had predicted before the fight.
@Thomas August Nah Ali has was putting not shape and didn't train properly it was said by many Ali should have waited Longer to Frazier he wasn't nearly ready
@@tamatiakuhata7496no its not parkinsons this early. Alot of people actually say it was probably all 3 frazier fights that did the most damage to him and helped lead to Parkinson’s in his late career. I think its more what the announcers said at the beginning of the fight. Ali is in good shape but not in ”fighting condition”. He just got his license to box again after almost 3 years of doing nothing. And immediately within a year i think ends up in a title match. He’s no longer in ‘fighting condition’ he’s in good shape sure but he hasnt danced for several years. Ali is talented for sure the GOAT but he wanted that fight sooooo bad if he waited a few more fights he could of probably won this fight was so close… fighting at his peak with not hiatus i think he could of won.
@@tamatiakuhata7496 i mean they took his license to box for 3 years so he had no choice…. He didnt want to serve in the vietnam war so he went to court fought it and lost. Those 3 years he became a public speaker at universities and traveled the country to make money. He wasnt a ‘slob’ he just couldnt fight he was prohibited to fight even for charity in exhibition matches so the only thing he could do was be an activist at the time even working with malcom X and Martin Luther King Jr. when he finally got his license back he wanted the title back and said it was taken from him unjust. However they didnt let him fight frazier right away he had to earn the right. So within 6-7 months he got his shot. All im saying is he had about 6 months to be at his peak like he was before his license was taken away. I think he had less that 3 fights to pick up where he left off and fight frazier. We missed 3 years of Ali in his prime because of the vietnam war. People are just saying he wasnt in his fighting prime or in a fighting state like he was before his abrupt leave for 3 years. Its like playing a video game and then not returning for 3 years and coming back. Even if you were the best when you return its gonna take time to get back into form. He may have been in good shape but not at 100% form is all im saying. He also left when he was 25 in his prime years and didnt get back until 29 so closer to his 30s where most boxers taper off because of age.
@@tamatiakuhata7496 no ali had just come back after 3 yrs off
Ali had so much effortless power... I love the combinations he throws
Yeah he throws them jabs like a whip, completely loose, no tension.
TONIGHT is exactly 50 YEARS, to the very day, since this amazing moment in both sports and history. If you weren't around to experience it, you missed a once in a century moment!
No doubt. The closest thing we (my generation) got this century was Gotti/Ward. It takes a special kinda mf to step into that ring and be a gladiator, Lol. Hats off to these warriors!!
Just imagine seeing Sparticus fight, Daniel face the Lion or David face Goliath. THAT would have been epic!
This wasn't just a fight of the year or the fight of the decade. This was a fight of the century. And on this night, with everything on the line, Joe Frazier put on one of the greatest in ring performances you will ever see. This was Joe's night. And I will never take that from him, even if it was against one of my all-time favorites and the most impactful fighter that ever lived, in Ali.
It's astounding how Ali face never looks like it has a scratch even after so many rounds.
Yeah, even when he was obviously stunned, he could do that iconic move at 49:47 to dodge Smokey Joe's punch
Ali had a huge swelling on the right side of his face from the 11th and by the end of 15th it was gigantic. It was hard to see in this footage but if you see him in the after fight interview you’ll see it
He had a swollen Jaw which is visible (he actually broke his jaw in this fight).
I bet his urine was a nice shade of red after with all the vicious hooks and rips Joe hit him in the body with.
@manchujw22 Ali is lucky he did not end up with Renal failure in addition to brain damage. Joe was the 2nd hardest known puncher in history...fighters described it was, "like getting hit by a truck full of concrete " and this, "Joe hit harder than George Foreman" - Ali. I think if the fighters realised this today they would maybe think twice.
Oh my goodness me, I have seen Ali's fights with Liston and Foreman but I saw this fight for the first time right now and I have to say I will never forget this experience. I am big big Ali fan for everything he was and he stood for and uptil now I used to think his fight with Foreman was the greatest fight in boxing history but mannnn Joe Fraizer in this fight was looking "possessed" in the truest sense of the word. Relentlessly giving it every ounce of himself to put on perhaps one of the greatest performances in sports history!!!!!! Historic by all means, a piece of Art. And Ali being Ali standing up after that killer blow on the jaw and still not only getting through but trying to win it. Magical!
yes Joe was possessed... wow. His pride wouldn't let him fall.. Ali won this though.
@@jeffa1302 He lost by unanimous decision. You are kidding, right?
Ali never could defend himself without continually holding. How he was never deducted points each round is beyond me. Frazier didn't complain, though. He just beat him silly anyway.
@@rosewoodsteel6656 You look at this rd by rd and look at it honestly. Ali wins this very close fight.
@@3-ddjr460 It was a great fight, 3D, no doubt about it. But, I'll have agree to disagree with you on outcome.
37:06 This is Frazier's most badass moment, he's fearless, relentless and eager to drop Ali at all costs
Always one of my favorite Frazier moments
What's sad about this fight is that neither one these boxer's would be the same, because in this fight they reached level's of complete exhaust, every punch they threw was a potential knock out punch, it's sad but a good sad of that's possible but if they never crossed each other's destiny who knows what would have became of them, it was said during this fight Joe Frazier threw punches that would have knocked down a door and Ali withstood it all, even George foreman admitted that if had fought Joe Frazier before the Ali fight he would have been very cautious, when Frazier beat Ali in the first fight he wasn't the same, because he put everything into it,and after that he was a shell of himself, yes Ali would eventually become heavyweight champion 3 years later but in declining years the effects of the brawl fights took a toll on him and you can't help but think about this fight, that flying left hook of Joe Frazier, daaauuuumm!!! and to Ali's testament he got up before the referee could even start to count.
@@gregoryingram7561 Yes, it brings tears to my eyes when i think about how much they destroyed one another. I guess that's what happens when two unstoppable forces meet. Both men were willing to die in the ring.
He probably knocks him out if not for the incessant illegal holding lazy Ali was able to get away with an all three fights
@@fernandomaron87 and Joe Frazier said they would have had to carry him outta that ring on a stretcher before he left.
The fact that Joe Frazier was blind of one eye is incredible. All my respect for the true GOAT.
True goat???? Hell no!!! He will always be second to ali
@@ronjones3184 you rlly dont know how to read 💀💀
@@BoxingFanaticNumero1 bitch I read just fine thank you very much and you read wtf I said joe Frazier will never be the true goat
Another crazy fact about Joe Frazier, he only lost to three men in his entire boxing career, amateur or professional.
Buster Mathis as an amateur, who he beat as a professional.
Muhammad Ali, who Frazier was the first man to beat Ali in Ali's professional career.
George Foreman, the only man Joe Frazier never defeated.
@@sEaNoYeAh and also the third match against Ali, Joe Frazier could have go further while Ali collapsed
These two guys were just warriors. It's almost supernatural being able to fight that hard for that long.
Yes, their conditioning is amazing.
@@VladislavBabbittconditioning or a bit of 'help'.
The fight of the century, and any other century.
CLASSIC!!! All heavyweights should watch this fight!!
Why, any heavyweight nowadays that is top 10 would destroy these guys. Guys are better than this in our era. Lol.
@@tiltcanary2169 I disagree! All those heavyweights back then were serious contenders! These guys now don't scare anybody! The heavyweights division died out after Tyson, holyfield, Bowe and Lewis retired.
And if you think top ten guys now could beat Ali, you don't know boxing.
@@herardlongchamp3963 Or Frazier, or Foreman.
anyone who loves fighting should watch this fight
I was 11. I remember this fight...some you just don't forget!
Frazier’s energy is ridiculous. How he can keep up all that movement I have no idea.
@Josh Traffanstedt wtf u talking about hombre
@@LiterallyGod he's actually right tho. At the height where they live air isn't full of oxigen and their heart,lungs are bigger stronger.They just have a crazy good natural cardio.Sorry for poor English
@@gianlucamacaro2502 that doesnt mean they can punch or take a punch well. That just means they might have stamina. They dont though because kenyans are better runners. Boxing is more than just stamina.
Because with frazier,s technique, it takes time for him to get into the rhythm of his fighting style
@grayfox6558 i mean fhats a hot take. Prime Tyson was the greatest
This was the fight that lived up to and surpassed fighting fans expectations all over the world ! The boxer vs the slugger. I was just a kid and didn't get to see fight back then, but when Sports Illustrated hit the shelves, I used some of my paper route money to buy a copy to bring to school. I marveled over the photos with friends reading the text. Both men went to the hospital after the fight. Ali a broken jaw, Fraizer total exhaustion and a swollen face that made you wonder if he'd ever recover. Both men gave it everything they had, but Joe fought with more heart and determination, than I've ever witnessed and that is after watching the whole fight here on youtube. Back in the day, I thought Ali would win this fight, as he was quite amazing in the fights I had seen him fight on TV, watching with my father. After seeing the fight now, I am truly in awe of Joe. LEGENDS !
This is unbelievable fighting. Nothing today can compare.
We can
Looking back, this was indeed the Fight of the Century.
The world will never see the likes of Al and Frazier again,ever their styles were made for each other this was the greatest fight period.
Best of Frazier's hooks and cross guard defense:
11:42
21:47
31:51
44:12 (2x)
43:05 round 10 (43:27)
47:06 round 11 (Incredible how Ali still stands after that knock down)
49:15 Frazier attacks and defends simultaneously with the cross guard. Amazing left hooks (makes Ali tumble 49:45)
52:18 defending a punch while punching himself
57:17 "They are fighting like lightweights now"
1:03:30 The LEGENDARY last round knockdown. One of Frazier's greatest left Hooks.
37:05 "Get over here!"
Round 11 wasn’t a knock down
Omg shut up Frazier had the Worst Defense haha ask George foreman 2 rounds it was over....haha
@Gray foxhahahahah I'm not scared haha just got out of prison 6 months ago you think I'm worry about murder hahahahah
@Gray fox I live in new Jersey mother f tell me what or where we meet but come alone tho......
The audio quality of this fight is fantastic!!! I have watched this fight hundreds of times over the years....still my fave ever! How can you not love both these guys?! Joe was unreal in this fight! True warriors both.
Yes I’ve noticed this fight in particular you can hear the punches land etc you would think that every title fight after this would be the same or superior but that’s not the case. Their 2nd fight was at MSG also and even though it wasn’t for world heavyweight title it took place what almost 3yrs later and every copy I’ve seen the punches cannot be heard all you hear is crowd and the play by play ☹️
It is February 19th 2024 and I’m sitting here waiting on a 3D print of a personal project… and I’m still in awe that I can watch this fight all the way through on yt. What a world we live in.
Relax bot
Just listen to the sound of Fraziers shots landing my God those body shots are thunderous and that Left is a canon.
Now imagine if these two were the same size.
*Ali & Frazier were the greatest, Frazier was such a badass!*
That boy smokin 💭💭
Ali and Tyson were the greatest but this fight was one of the greatest matches of all time
@@izuokoko7345 Tyson was overrated and still to this day is overrated,cant wait for your reaction when RJ beats him
Greatest of there era maybe, definitely not even close to the greatest boxers of all time. These guys would get rocked by the boxers nowadays. Guys now are Bigger,stronger,and faster. Better to.
Frazier
This is the biggest fight during my lifetime....March 8, 1971. Went and saw it on closed circuit TV with my father....the crowd was wild!
What an excellent display of strength and heart. Two legendary athletes in a war til the end. Amazing fight.
This was more than a heavyweight title fight.
Every big star in the world was there at Madison Square garden, including Burt Lancaster doing analysis and Frank Sinatra at ringside taking pictures for Life magazine. A great fighter Archie Moore also w commentary.
This was a major cultural event.
And Lancaster IMO did a good job in the "celebrity" color analysis to Dunphy in this match.
I wish Lancaster would have STFU. Every time an esteemed commentator like Archie started to say something Lancaster chimed in over the top of him. Couldn't give a proverbial about his observations, but could with Archie. He knew what he was talking about.
The leaping by left hook by frazier is ART! A beautiful piece of ART!
The energy of both fighters. To go at that pace for 15 rounds, especially Frazier with his bobbing and weaving. Incredible. Frazier at his very peak and Ali still young (29) and great. Only Ali's 3rd fight back from his 3 1/2 year absence from the ring.
Ali knocked out Oscar Bonavena in the 15th round in a very tough fight, 3 months earlier in MSG. Ali's greatest asset may have been his ability to take a punch.
James Anthony, both where incredible. I always wonder though, was Ali still a bit rusty, as you say, this was only his 3rd fight in 3 1/2 years, and Ali may not have been at his most formidable self. You don't see him dancing as much here and he was only still young at the time, but, saying all that, Frazier had a totally different style to his previous opponents' and just kept charging at him like a train. Ali most probably felt it wouldn't be effective in this fight, but he was very smart anyway and could adopt different styles himself to suit the fight.
@@steventhompson2511 Yes, Ali was rusty, understandably, after only his 3rd fight back from the 3 1/2 year layoff. He looked terrible against Oscar Bonavena only 3 months earlier in Dec/70, despite knocking him out in the 15th round.
Steven Thompson Ali needed at least one more tune up before Frazier, but the public clamor and money wouldn’t allow it.
@@HankFinkle11 That's true. And I imagine Ali and his management group didn't want to run the risk of a potential loss on his comeback prior to meeting Frazier.
Ali was still young 29 is young but he was rusty
In my Opinion this is the best boxing match in history,pure rivarly,both men fighting their hearts out to beat the other,both men struggling,both of them taking brutal beatings from the other.
Who watches this fight during Coronavirus pandemic in 2020
Me!
Me
Anyone who knows Black History.
Chris Collins huh?
Dude, that's pretty much all been doing, going through my old tapes and dvd's full of fights!
I love Fraziers style, the bobbing and weaving is incredible.
Joe's engine just never stops chugging, I'm absolutely shattered just watching the guy work for 15 solid, tough rounds. So much love, respect and admiration for bothe these all time greats.
Thanks for the Upload of a Classic Fight.
At that Time i was only 3 years old and there Will Only Be One Mr. Ali.
a Man of His Faith and he told the government where to stick it
Fifty years ago this very day. Monday, March 8th, 1971, the greatest one day sporting event of the 20th century took place.
Two undefeated Heavyweight Champions meeting in New York City’s fabled “Mecca of Boxing” to determine who the real champion was. To this day, there has never been anything that has matched the excitement and electricity of that night.
It was the greatest performance of Joe Frazier’s career. For Ali, even in defeat, it showed how great he still was, even after missing 3 and 1/2 years of his prime due to being stripped of his title and unable to fight.
Two champions of the ages.
The Fight.
The Fight of the Century.
Wimbledon final 08 is up their with this one.
@@Dellen-Roger I was around for both. NOTHING compares to "The Fight of the Century". However, Federer-Nadal WAS great.
@Josh Traffanstedt Me too. I was 12 when the fight took place. It really was the biggest one day sporting event of my lifetime and still is.
After the fight a sportswritet asked Frazier if he would give Ali a rematch. Frazier answered that he didn't think that "Clay" would want one. Upon hearing this Ali said "Oh, how wrong he is."
Watching "THE FIGHT" on this 50th anniversary. Was a little boy in New York when it took place and have seen in probably over 200 times. It NEVER gets old. One of the greatest fights to have ever taken place. May their souls be blessed!🙏🏾
Boomer
@@nibbax7772 shut the fuck up
@@nibbax7772shut up bro. this is a wholesome comment.
This is the most amazing fight in history of boxing. Two absolute warriors at that top of their game.
Watch the 3rd fight
Ali prime 64 to 67 and would've been rest of 67 68 69 70
Ali was *certainly not* at the top of his game in the fight.
@@ppuh6tfrz646 nah bro he just lost
@@Mohasuii1 I'm not disputing the judges' scorecards.
Always humbling watching these two fight each other. Outstanding sportsmen with superhuman kinda endurance
Most exciting sports event ever.
Frank Sinatra worked as a photographer to get in to this fight. Elvis was at this fight.
@@michaelfugate2404 Yes, Frank was at ringside and shot photos for *Life Magazine* . Elvis at the fight? I was around at that time and didn't know that. Where was he sitting?
The hype surrounding this fight, not just in the US but all around the world, was incredible. Both undefeated and both claiming to be the champion. It lived up to all expectations and really was "The Fight of the Century".
All these years later--the war of all wars. Two amazing fighters, probably never the same. Sad how much the sport took out of both men. I think 15 rounds was too much for a war like this.
I agree about the rounds. On a comeback tour it should have been 12.
It was crazy, 15 rounds but man it separated the weak from the strong. If Leanord/Hearns 1 would have been 12 rounds Hearns would have won. 15 rounds made for the stuff of legends
Ali hit that boy everywhere-- on the head, chin, temple, everwhere! Amazing how he stiod up to thise punches!
Watching in 2020, man this fight is one for the ages!
No one could beat neither one of this men on that night, truly the greatest 15 rounds in memory.
Agree 100% Ali beats ANYBODY on this night except Joe!! Joe on this night beats ANYBODY!!
@@nyterpfanforeman smoke joe easy
It's amazing to look back on Ali's career. I never noticed when young, that he never threw one body punch.
Really I've never noticed 😂😂
Same I always wondered why he never targeted the body
Other body parts develop a defensive shield… eg trainers throw the medicine ball at the body .. never the head..
So, why waist jabs on a hardened shield. The head is the only spot that never gets stronger with time and pressure…
@@Korey5050 throwing body punches would mean lowering your hands at close range, which Ali hated doing.
Great observation , he was usually taller than most of his opponents but he was also a "headhunter " whose ferocity was cloaked by his charm and persona . "He will take you out to deep water and drown you " - Mike Tyson on Ali .
Ali's big fights in the 1970s transcended boxing, transcended sport,
almost every television in the world was tuned in to those epic events.
Sport is still huge, but it doesn't have the epochal magnitude that it
once had. From the 1968 Olympics and 1970 World Cup in Mexico,
through the Ali fights, to the 1986 World Cup again in Mexico, this was
the Golden Age of epic events in sport where the world experienced
amazing sporting performances with electrifying atmospheres.
Rest in peace, Mohammad, Joe and Burt Lancaster.
When Frazier knocked Ali down that crowd erupted man.
My dad said people hated Ali and loved Frazier back then. Its weird because now days everyone loves Ali.
Nashville Dude contrary to popular belief, Ali isn’t regarded as the GOAT because of what he did in the ring. In fact, Ali himself said he isn’t the greatest boxer of all time, Ray Robinson is. BUT Ali is so highly regarded because of what he stood for OUTSIDE of the ring, and how he settled for nothing less. And then went back in the ring to prove it. Which impacted society in a profound way, and had Ali pave the way for tons of athletes to come after him. That’s why we all love Ali now. Back then we couldn’t see it as clear
@@neilbk0300 damn good explanation dude!
Noah Balk his boxing style is definitely the most iconic though
Manny1k he used a classic boxer style here which is pretty rare to see from him
50 years ago tonight. Rest in Power Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier
rewatching all these fights, this is the most brutal fight ive seen in my 60 years
Frazier wasn’t intimidated in the slightest. When you’ve got the determination of a honey badger and the heart of a lion you’re the intimidater. The tenacity of the man was truly amazing. Two unbelievably tough fighters.
Best fight I ever seen
The 3 one is the best
Not only a great fight These two guys put on a great show as well
Fraizer made the show, but.
@@Revelation1316in the beginning ali could have stayed more on the outside but decided to adopt a more boxer puncher approach.
Those Joe punches in the body took out Ali air.That up and down movement of Joe was Ali worsted nightmare , because it made Ali more difficult to connect .But after this fight and all the rumors that Ali was finished. The greatest came strongest ever.
Well said
Lots of people talks about Ali’s hand speed but no one talks about Joe Fraziers head movement and reaction time. The fact that Frazier can slip Ali’s fastest punch which is the jab off reaction time is just super Impressive to me.
Although, he couldn’t slip them all. I know Foreman vs Ali did numbers but, this is the best matchup in Boxing history in my opinion.
Rest in Absolute Power to these two warriors. What I would give to have been at any of there fights. Truly two of the greatest heavyweights to have ever graced the canvas.
How do you rest in power lol
Two genuine immortals of the sport.
R.I.P To both legends
By far one of the 3 greatest fights ever...these 2 guys were the best of the best...Made for each other.
They act like they haven't seen each other in Years, hugging and more hugs.
It’s boxing .. a underrated skill is the clinch
Round 4: "Joe could be running out of steam!"
Yeah, no.
Don Dunphy was awful. At 21:32 I sware the fastest punch I ever seen thrown. That left hook.
@Senior Billy Bull I'll be 100 percent honest with you, if I get hit that hard I'm clinching as well. But Frazier made him pay for it in Manila as well, the ref smacked his hand away the entire fight.
Frizer always head down like afraid
@@stevecvino I always hated Dunphy He always seemed like he was watching some other fight. I'll take Cosell any day.
Joe ramped up usually. It wasn't until he was past his prime when they fought in the heat of Manilla did he start to struggle.
Beautiful Fight❗️Ali & Frazier’s Different Techniques. Ya Gotta Love It 😍
Men with hearts of lions ! R.I.P legends
Im starting to watch this fights from the 80s to the 90s and Im impressed by how much power this boxers have. I can say that this boxers were legends.