Joe Frazier's Fight Worn Robe the "Thrilla In Manilla" October 1, 1975 Ali-Frazier Fight

In 1999, Frazier and Ali's third bout, nicknamed the "Thrilla in Manilla" was ranked by ESPN as number 5 on their list of greatest fights of all time. In 1974, Ali won the second fight in a 12-round unanimous decision that didn't win the belt for either. In 1975, the aging two heavyweights, now in their early 30's, traveled a third world away to fight in Quezon City in the Phillippines. Once again Ali taunted Frazier, calling him The Gorilla. In an interview with Howard Cosell, Ali , "It'll be a chilla, and a killa, and a thrilla, when I get the gorilla in Manila."  Frazier felt betrayed as he supported Ali, both financially and morally, during Ali's suspension from boxing. The rivalry grew as Frazier fumed and trained while Ali cavorted with mistress Veronica Porche. While 25,000 watched, Frazier entered the ring on October 1, 1975 wearing this blue cotton robe, studded "Joe Frazier" on the back. As in the first two fights, at the first bell the action was furious as Ali walked flat footed to the center of the ring and unleashed a flurry of combinations on Frazier. Dazed but undaunted, Frazier moved forward, punishing Ali's body at close range while taking Ali's undeterred pummeling. Despite the debilitating heat, Frazier dominated the middle rounds with his powerful attack. At the beginning of the seventh round, Ali reportedly whispered in Frazier's ear, "Joe, they told me you was all washed up." Frazier growled back, "They lied." Ali's lack of training seemed to wilt him. However, in the later rounds Frazier began tire. Ali danced more while, unleashing a series of quick combinations. By the end of the 11th round, Frazier's eyes were swelled to slits. Frazier could no longer see Ali's right hand as Ali hit him over and over unmercifully. In Round 13, Ali landed pounded Frazier so severely that his mouth guard flew into the crowd. The beating was even worse in Round 14, so much so that Frazier's trainer, Eddie Futch, decided to stop the fight before the 15th. Frazier shouted "I want him boss," but Futch replied, "It's all over. No one will forget what you did here today", and signaled to the referee to end the bout. After it was announced that Ali won by a TKO, he fainted on the canvas. Ali later claimed that this was the closest to dying he has ever been, and also announced, "Joe Frazier is the greatest fighter in the world, next to me." No fight ever since has elicited the same level of passion and electricity. Condition: Frazier's robe is in excellent overall condition, with minor wear from use. Included is an LOA from Joe Frazier attesting that this is the robe that he wore at Ali-Frazier III, aka the "Thrilla In Manilla," on October 1, 1975.