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[Smokin Smiley]

When we look back and consider the great sporting rivalries including boxing trilogies, top of my list is Frazier vs Ali. It had it all, undefeated champions, golden era of Heavyweights, race, politics, difference in boxing styles, etc. With Frazier winning the first fight and Ali taking the second, I pose the question would it have been fairer for Frazier to see out the 15 round instead on Futch calling an end to the fight, Ali himself didn't want to come out for the last round and his shock at winning is visible when we look back on the fight.

[jimjack]

No, he was well behind on all cards by the end of the 14 th.

[grizzlyadams]

No, he was well behind on all cards by the end of the 14 th.

Agree. Plus the reports say both his eyes were closed or nearly closed.

[Smokin Smiley]

Fair points, always interesting to hear people's thoughts on it. Would have been interesting to see if Frazier's corner let him head out and Ali refused to go out.

[grizzlyadams]

Fair points, always interesting to hear people's thoughts on it. Would have been interesting to see if Frazier's corner let him head out and Ali refused to go out.

It would but I think angelo would have dragged muhammad from his stool by his ears if he had to. It's my personal opinion that Ali wasn't always as confident as his image suggested but when he was out there fighting, he was as game as they come and dundee knew that.

Eddie Futch deserves all the credit in the world for being man enough to stop that fight at that stage

[Smokin Smiley]

Eddie Futch deserves all the credit in the world for being man enough to stop that fight at that stage

Spot on mate, I recall seeing the "Thrilla in Manila" documentary on Channel 4 a while back and after the fight Futch told Ali's doctor about 8 incidents of boxers deaths he had witnessed.

It's actually possible both men may have died if the 15th round went ahead, Ali later saying it was the closest to death he came. He's even collapsed after having won. They don't make them like that anymore.

[The Hurricane]

I personally think Joe was more robbed in the second fight.  The ref let Ali continually pull Joe's head down and hold and did nothing about it.  Effectively the ref allowed Ali to commit repeated infringements to prevent Joe from being able to do the work which won him the first fight.

[Don't lose your Ed]

I saw an interview with the ref about a year or so ago who said he was going to give Joe another 60 seconds tops and if he was taking a beating he was gunna stop the fight in the 15th.

Bit of trivia for you there chaps.