Philly Boxing History

MARCH 08, 1971

FRAZIER BEATS ALI IN EPIC BOUT

On this date in 1971, Joe Frazier won a 15-round decision over Muhammad Ali in the first of their three classic fights. Fans packed Madison Square Garden as well as closed circuit venues all over the country to see the most anticipated fight in history. So big was the event, even non boxing fans wanted a part of this one. Both men were undefeated going in, and both men held legitimate claims to the title. It was the classic match on paper, and still to this day, is the best-ever example of a fight that actually exceeded its expectations. So high were those expectations, that living up to them seemed impossible. But Ali and Frazier waged war, round after grueling round. It was a truly thrilling fight at the highest possible level of competition. The battle was punctuated with a dramatic knockdown of Ali in round 15 that served as the perfect cap to Frazier's performance. It was called "The Fight of the Century", and by winning it, Joe Frazier forever sealed his place in boxing history. The pair would go on to fight each other two more times, with Ali winning both bouts. Although rivaled for greatness by the "Thrilla in Manila", it was this first match between the rivals that crossed over and caused the world to stop and pay attention.

  1922 - Joe Tiplitz W6 Joe Reno at Trenton, NJ

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