The Manilla Thrilla
Philippines was the place
the date was set
between two outstanding gladiators
who had already twice met
the champ stood proud
ready to shock the world once more
his voice rang loud
his conceitedness soared
"I am the greatest"
these words meant so much
in his era he was the greatest
with nothing gentle about his touch
Smokin' Joe Frazier
an equal opponent to the throne
no other boxer could match
the attributes he'd shown
the first of October
1975 was the year
both ready to "Rumble In the Jungle"
neither man showed fear
at 10:45 in the morning
their rubber match began
when the first round started
Ali had the upper hand
but Joe Frazier would outlast
the punishment he'd received
when the fifth round started
Joe's gloves were smokin' indeed
the champ endured the test of will
being out boxed for six rounds
Frazier threw blows with skill
his strength showed no bounds
in the twelfth round
Ali regained control
showing the will of a champion
attacking Fraziers soul
at the end of the fourteenth round
Frazier could stand no more
Eddie Futch threw in the towel
the capacity crowd began to roar
-----"Man I hit him with punches that'd
bring down the walls of a city"
Frazier said.
Lawdy, Lawdy, he's a great champion
---------Ali said, " It was like death"
"Closest thing to dying that I know of"
..........JP
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