Matteo Peña
OCTOBER 1, 2024
Muhammad Ali (right) blocks Joe Frazier’s strike (left).
Photo from The Kahimyang Project.
On October 1, 1975, Araneta Coliseum witnessed one of the most legendary boxing matches in history, “Thrilla in Manila,” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
President Ferdinand Marcos proposed and sponsored the bout to divert attention from the political turmoil in the Philippines since the declaration of martial law in 1972.
Don King, an American boxing promoter, known for his involvement in several historic boxing matches agreed to hold the fight at the Araneta Coliseum. The match was broadcast to millions worldwide via Home Box Office (HBO), generating immense media attention.
During the 14th round, Muhammad Ali emerged victorious through a technical knockout. Joe Frazier, heavily injured and knocked down, was unable to continue. His trainer, Eddie Futch, decided to stop the fight, fearing Frazier would face further harm in the following rounds.
Later, it was revealed that Frazier had been fighting blind in the final rounds, with a cataract in his left eye and significant damage in his right eye due to Ali’s punches.
Despite the intense rivalry between Ali and Frazier, the match was marked by mutual respect and admiration between the two fighters, adding to its legendary status.
As boxing commentator Ronnie Nathianielz remarks, “No one forgets the Thrilla in Manila.”