FINISHING SHOTS By Tom Gray FINAL DROPS OF GREATNESS: On October 1, 1975, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier faced off for the third time in a heavyweight showdown that will never be forgotten. Four and a half years earlier, Frazier had floored and outpointed Ali in “The Fight of the Century” to retain the heavyweight championship. However, “The Greatest” was the superior fighter in a 1974 non- title rematch and cruised to a unanimous decision triumph. Ali then regained the crown by knocking out George Foreman in a stunning upset and was a big favorite to defeat Frazier in the rubber match. While he got himself over the line in “The Thrilla in Manila,” prevailing via TKO 14, Ali was taken to the depths of hell in searing heat by a rejuvenated “Smokin’ Joe.” Neither man was ever the same after this fight.
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