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