Inquirer
The thrill before the ‘Thrilla’: My two hours with Ali, 50 years ago
Fifty years ago, the legendary "Thrilla in Manila" boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier took place, an event still talked about today and considered one of the greatest fights of all time.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has directed government agencies to support a nationwide celebration from October 26 to 31, highlighting a sporting milestone that put the Philippines on the global stage.
Boxing writer Ed Schuyler predicted the fight's lasting legacy, stating that Manila would still be discussed 25 years later.
The crowd at the Big Dome mirrored the fight's intensity, roaring "Ali! Ali! Ali!" during his dominance and then "Frazier! Frazier! Frazier!" as he rallied.
The "Thrilla" is remembered as one of the top three best fights in history, possibly rivaled by the Joe Louis-Max Schmeling showdown.
One journalist shares a personal account of meeting Ali for two hours on September 22, 1975, before the legendary fight.
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