Fight of the Century

The Fight of the Century (English " Fight of the Century " ) was a historic boxing match between the then reigning heavyweight champion Joe Frazier and the former champion Muhammad Ali. He was on March 8, 1971 in New York's Madison Square Garden and was the start of a long-standing rivalry, in the course of which both counterparties should face two more times in the ring. The third meeting went as Thrilla in Manila also in the boxing history.

Background

After the two big Boxverbände National Boxing Association (NBA ) and New York State Athletic Commission ( NYSAC ) for almost 30 years forgave a common world title in the heavyweight division, this compound dissolved in 1967. An unqualified to date titleholder Muhammad Ali, undefeated in 28 fights, led henceforth the Belt of NBA successor World Boxing Association continued, which thus unofficially was considered a " true " world title. In March 1968, joined the WBA title to Jimmy Ellis, after Ali had been revoked because of his conscientious objection to boxing license. In parallel, the World Champion title of the NYSAC was awarded for the first time since 1938, the Joe Frazier secured against Buster Mathis in the clash of two unbeaten boxers. In February 1970 finally met both world champion one another in the context of unification, in which finally proved the NYSAC title holder Frazier as the stronger.

Although Frazier had now with the WBA and the NYSAC 's successor World Boxing Council (WBC ) are both world champion belt in his possession, remained him recognition as full titleholder denied since Muhammad Ali despite damaligem title loss was also unbeaten. After his rehabilitation by the Supreme Court of the United States and regaining his boxing license in 1970 the chances finally find out who the real number one heavyweight rose. A first cross comparison Ali decided in his favor, as he struggles against two construction Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonavena denied after three years of abstinence ring, each of which had both already boxed against Frazier. While Quarry as already had to give up a year earlier due to injury against Frazier fight, Bonavena suffered against Ali the first knockout loss of his career, after he had in 1966 and 1968, Joe Frazier offered twice over the full distance Paroli. After Ali's two convincing wins a fight between him and Frazier, nothing stood in the way. In March 1971 should finally take place this announced as Fight of the Century showdown, in which for the first time faced two undefeated world champion in the Boxhistorie. The fight event for both fighters in each case was 2.5 million U.S. dollars.

The interests of the struggle extended far beyond the circle of boxing followers addition, since both opponents despite their same skin color as African-Americans were in the public eye for two completely different currents of American society that was deeply divided in the days of the Vietnam War and Civil Rights Movement. Ali, who trained as a conscientious objector and supporter of Black Supremacy ideology a counterpoint to the more popular in the white Boxgemeinde Frazier, mocked these in addition to numerous other insults as "Uncle Tom", which led to years of bitterness at his opponent.

The fight

Ali was able to keep to the beginning of the fight Frazier at a distance and land some hits, but the longer the fight lasted, the more confirmed the assumption that Frazier would win the fight. Although Frazier was hit several times on the head, Ali had very strong blows in the liver and plug to the head. Frazier Ali weakened during the struggle enormously, which is why Ali from the ninth round almost missed every shot and Frazier were several attack opportunities. In the tenth round, Frazier managed to push Ali into the ropes several times, which is why Ali was trying to convey with " clowning " Frazier, that he does not take him seriously. From then on Frazier suggested even more strongly, which is why Ali was repeatedly rescued just ahead of a knockout.

Frazier, extended its lead so far that Ali would have needed a knockout to the 15th round to defeat Frazier. However, Ali, who had received many hooks, cross and even Haymaker was to no longer be able. Ali launched several strong but slow attacks on Frazier, which, however, almost all went next and took him in the 15th round by a left hook Frazier itself to case. He could get up, but was by that date clear that Ali could not win this fight. Frazier won the bout by unanimous decision and retained his belt.

After the fight

• After this fight Frazier defended his title twice more, until he was surprisingly dethroned on January 23, 1973 at the " Sunshine Showdown " by George Foreman.

• In 2001, the enmity between Ali and Frazier was officially declared over, as Frazier an apology from Ali because of his former offenses allegedly took. The reason for the announcement was the upcoming fight between their daughters Laila Ali and Jackie Frazier - Lyde.