what fight was more entertaining?

[DarkTerror88]

I think Ali Frazier I is the better fight.

Both men are closer to their primes. They clearly have more stamina, and Ali doesn't quite sweep the early rounds like he did in the Thrilla.

Also, Joe got his hand raised. **** Ali.

This. Very this. I love this post so much

[jabsRstiff]

I have to be honest....I have always thought the Thrilla in Manila is a bit overrated.

[Ben Bolt]

The wonderful DOX documentary of the Manila contest.
Part 1-9 on youtube.

If Frazier's corner had let him out to the 15th round, had Ali given up?

http://

[Ray Corso]

Overrated????? How is it overrated?? They weren't in their primes so the high level of their talents was not going to be availble but they were evenly matched as they were through their careers. Watch the fight and turn off the sound!! Look into their eyes and watch the bodies react to the pounches. These men gave everything they had and thats what missing in today competitors. Today you can interview heavyweight as soon as the fights over their not exhausted their not empty!!! Being talented is one thing your born with genetics but giving everything you have just takes heart! Ray

[jabsRstiff]

Overrated????? How is it overrated?? They weren't in their primes so the high level of their talents was not going to be availble but they were evenly matched as they were through their careers. Watch the fight and turn off the sound!! Look into their eyes and watch the bodies react to the pounches. These men gave everything they had and thats what missing in today competitors. Today you can interview heavyweight as soon as the fights over their not exhausted their not empty!!! Being talented is one thing your born with genetics but giving everything you have just takes heart! Ray

There's no doubt the two of them gave everything they had....but, they had very little compared to their first fight in terms of ability to provide action. Giving everything you have doesn't always mean entertainment, at least not to me.

Ali spent too much time laying there and letting Joe just whack away at him...and Joe could not attack with the fierceness he did in '71.

The Thrilla in Manila is a great fight, for sure. But, it is not a fight I enjoy watching over and over.

The better fight happened when they were better fighters, period.

[Ray Corso]

I understand that the first bout featured them in better condition and abit more youthfull. How ever effort and heart is the only thing I watch now, I've seen great jabs and movement and all of that whats missing is heart and the willingness to give it all! The absence of passion and effort is whats killing boxing these days the title bouts are just like watching a prelim bout. I watched the Dawson and the Canadian southpaw guy from last year. That was one of the worst title fights ever. Those are young men supposedly in their prime.
You don't need prime to see a great fight you just need two "willing" men! Ray

[SBleeder]

Fight of the Century was my favorite fight of the three, although I was disappointed in the outcome (and I still score the fight for Ali.)

I'm probably the only one, but I actually prefer the second fight to the Thrilla.

[jabsRstiff]

I understand that the first bout featured them in better condition and abit more youthfull. How ever effort and heart is the only thing I watch now, I've seen great jabs and movement and all of that whats missing is heart and the willingness to give it all! The absence of passion and effort is whats killing boxing these days the title bouts are just like watching a prelim bout. I watched the Dawson and the Canadian southpaw guy from last year. That was one of the worst title fights ever. Those are young men supposedly in their prime.
You don't need prime to see a great fight you just need two "willing" men! Ray

The first fight featured better action in all ways, IMO.

The third fight was amazing in terms of what the two gave of themselves, but as a fight to sit there and actually enjoy....there are a hundred other fights I will watch again befor the Thrilla in Manila.

I agree with you about today's fighters and their lack of commitment (inside the ring) effecting the sport terribly. Too many fights resemble sparring sessions, and no many want to see that.