Thrilla in Manila

The Thrilla in Manila was the third and final heavyweight boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, fought in the Philippines in 1975. Ali won when Frazier's corner declined to let him come out for the fifteenth round. The bout is often ranked among the greatest fights in boxing history, and it left a lasting mark on both men, physically and personally.

The rivalry began in the early 1970s. Frazier won their first meeting in 1971 at Madison Square Garden, billed as the "Fight of the Century," handing Ali his first professional loss. Ali won a rematch in 1974, but that fight was not for a title. By 1975 Ali had regained the world heavyweight championship by beating George Foreman in Zaire the previous year, so the third fight carried the title and the question of who was truly the better man. The rivalry was also bitter. Ali taunted Frazier with insults, including calling him a gorilla, and Frazier never forgave the remarks, which many found demeaning.

The fight took place at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, near Manila, and was promoted by Don King. The Philippine president, Ferdinand Marcos, supported the event, which suited his government's wish to show the country to the world during the period of martial law. It started in the morning local time so it could be broadcast live in the United States in the evening. Conditions in the arena were reportedly extremely hot and humid.

Ali dominated the early rounds, but Frazier worked his way inside and landed heavy body punches in the middle of the fight. By the later rounds both fighters were exhausted. Ali later described the experience as close to dying. In the late rounds Ali's punches took a severe toll on Frazier, whose eyes were badly swollen. Before the fifteenth round, trainer Eddie Futch stopped the fight, over Frazier's objections. Ali reportedly was nearly ready to quit himself, though accounts differ on exactly how close he was.

The fight cemented both men's legacies. Ali extended his fame as a champion who could endure punishment, while Frazier's reputation as a fierce, relentless fighter was confirmed even in defeat. Both fought on for a few years, and many observers believe the bout contributed to long-term health problems. Frazier's resentment toward Ali lasted for years, though the two later showed signs of reconciliation. The Thrilla in Manila remains a benchmark for courage and endurance in sport.