3. The Thrilla In Manila- Yes, an event I didn’t even see live is #3 on my list. I listened an account of it on the radio. Rooting for my hero Muhammad Ali to win. A week or so later they would show the match on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. Over the years I have watched this countless times. It was the most brutal boxing match I’ve ever seen. I don’t know if this is something that should be celebrated or frowned upon. Neither Ali or Frazier were the same men after this fight. This fight took that much out of them. I wrote about this fight on the anniversary. Ali said it was the closest he ever came to death. If Frazier’s corner hadn’t thrown in the towel before Round 15, he may have won. Ali was telling his handlers in his corner to cut his gloves that he couldn’t go on. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a sporting event where everything was left on the table like this one. Frazier in the final rounds couldn’t see because of the swelling around his eyes. I really don’t know what Joe Frazier was made of. The guy didn’t know the meaning of the word quit. To his death he was angry over this corner throwing in the towel. His fighting style led to great and memorable fights. The only way Frazier knew was to go forward and fight. He would take ten hits to get one hit in. There was no quit in the man. I think he is greatly underrated.  Sometime soon I will sit down and watch this fight again and no doubt be amazed as I always am when I see this.