Fight Freaks Unite Celebrates 50 Years of “The Thrilla in Manila†& Champions Autonomous Boxing Journalism
A new episode of Fight Freaks Unite commemorates the 50th anniversary of the legendary Muhammad Ali vs. Joe frazier III bout, while also encouraging readers to support independent boxing journalism through subscriptions and engagement.
Fight Freaks Unite, launched in January 2021, transitioned to a subscription model eight months later to sustain its operations and provide additional content for dedicated fans. The creator emphasizes the importance of reader support in maintaining independent journalism within the boxing world. Readers are encouraged to consider upgrading to a paid subscription or gifting one to a fellow “Fight Freak.â€
Despite a recent lull in compelling boxing action, the anniversary of “The Thrilla in Manila†— the third and final clash between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier — provides a potent reminder of the sport’s dramatic history. The fight, held on October 1, 1975, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines, was a brutal spectacle contested in oppressive heat.
Ali retained his heavyweight title after Frazier’s trainer, Eddie Futch, stopped the bout after the 14th round, as Frazier was left unable to continue, effectively blind. The fight had followed two previous encounters between the rivals, each winning one of the first two bouts.
The latest Fight Freaks Unite episode delves into the details of this unforgettable classic, examining the grueling nature of the fight and its lasting impact on both competitors. The discussion also extends to the aftermath of the bout,charting the trajectories of both Ali and Frazier’s careers. Frazier fought only twice more, while Ali continued to defend his title, eventually losing to leon Spinks before regaining it in a rematch. Though, the physical toll of the Manila fight, and a long career was clearly evident in Ali’s later performances.
Listeners can access the episode and further content through various platforms:
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Additionally, Fight freaks Unite highlights a recent video revisiting ringside memories of the 21st anniversary of Felix trinidad’s return from a 2-year retirement to face Ricardo Mayorga in a thrilling middleweight slugfest. The fight is remembered for its electric atmosphere.
Support for Fight Freaks Unite can also be shown through:
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The creator expresses sincere gratitude for the ongoing support of Fight Freaks Unite readers and encourages continued engagement with the newsletter and its associated platforms.
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