In 1975 at 10:45 am started the third and last fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, in Philippines. Named “The Thrilla in Manila”, and the Araneta Coliseum was the fight site of the WBA –WBC heavyweight world title fights.

At a temperature of 40°C both fighters entered into a real close battle, that began with a very slow Frazier as he was used to, and overwhelming Ali, who won the first rounds.

In the fourth round, things began to chance, and Frazier was waking up and imposing respect before Ali who was getting tired.

Frazier was a different boxer in round six, controlling the fight and in the following round, Ali started playing mind games with his opponent and told him; “Joe, they say you are washed up” and Frazier responded “They told you wrong pretty boy”.

It was true, Frazier remained as the owner of half of the fight, with Ali trying to stay close on the scorecards, and everyone thought he would be defeated.

However, in the tenth, Frazier began to look tired and Ali had his opportunity to attack, and to show off his speed as he did until round 13, when he blew off Frazier mouth piece, and left his jaw very battered by the end of the round.

Halfway through the round 14, trainer Eddie Futch stopped the fight and avoiding further punishment to Frazier, who said “I want him boss,” the trainer answered “it’s over. No one will forget what you did here today”

The most curious part of the historic final is that Ali had asked his trainer, Angelo Dundee, to cut his gloves because he would abandon the fight. “Frazier withdrew just before me; I did not believe that I could fight any longer.”