Joe Frazier-Muhammad Ali
MARCH 8 1971 “SPECIAL” DAY
New York, NY- For those of you that aren’t so-called “baby-boomers,” you might not know that 43 years ago, March 8, 1971, the biggest fight in the history of boxing took place when Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali collided in Madison Square Garden for the undisputed World heavyweight championship. With both men laying claim to the throne and being unbeaten, the pressure on the fighters was incredible.
WORLDWIDE EVENT OF EPIC PROPORTIONS
This was the first of three fights between the two legends. Ali’s record stood at 31-0, (25 KOs). Frazier was the anointed champion after Ali was stripped for his refusing to fight in the Vietnam war. Joe was 26-0, 23 KOs. After putting some “hurt” on Ali in the 11th round, Frazier dropped Ali in the final (15th) round with his “patented” left hook.
SCORES WERE TABBED ON ROUNDS NOT POINTS
Hall of Fame referee Arthur Mercante Sr. scored the epic encounter 8-6-1 in rounds for Frazier. The other jurists, Artie Aidala had Frazier up 9-6, while Bill Recht tabbed the biggest fight in history 11-4 for Joe Frazier. Ali won the second bout in January 1973 with a UD 12. Their third encounter, the “Thrilla’ in Manila” took place in October 1975. Ali won by TKO when the late great trainer Eddie Futch refused to let Joe come out for the 15th round.
Pedro Fernandez