Photo — Muhammad Ali: This image is available from the United States Library of Congress's Prints and Photographs division under the digital ID cph.3c15435.This tag does not indicate the copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is still required. See Commons:Licensing. (Public domain) · Joe Frazier: Immediate Ebay listing archived (Public domain)
The Short Version
Heavyweight boxers Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier engaged in an intense athletic and personal feud during the 1970s. The rivalry was marked by three iconic championship fights and sharp personal insults from Ali, which Frazier deeply resented for decades.
Latest Development
Ali Honors Frazier Following His Passing
Upon Joe Frazier's death, Muhammad Ali released a public statement remembering Frazier with respect and admiration.
November 8, 2011 · Public statement
The Beef
Chronological, newest first. Every entry cites a source.
Beef timeline
November 8, 2011
Ali Honors Frazier Following His Passing
Public statementUpon Joe Frazier's death, Muhammad Ali released a public statement remembering Frazier with respect and admiration.
Source ↗October 1, 1975
Ali Retains Title in 'Thrilla in Manila'
Verified eventAli defeated Frazier in their third and final bout when Frazier's corner stopped the fight prior to the 15th round.
Source ↗January 28, 1974
Ali Wins Rematch at Madison Square Garden
Verified eventAli defeated Frazier via judges' decision in a 12-round non-title rematch at Madison Square Garden.
Source ↗March 8, 1971
Frazier Defeats Ali in 'Fight of the Century'
Verified eventIn their first bout at Madison Square Garden, Frazier knocked down Ali in the 15th round and won by unanimous decision, giving Ali his first professional defeat.
Source ↗December 30, 1970
Ali and Frazier Sign First Fight Deal
Verified eventMuhammad Ali and Joe Frazier signed to fight each other for the heavyweight championship, initiating a prolonged verbal back-and-forth in the media.
Source ↗
Where It Stands
Historical. The feud concluded historically following the deaths of both fighters (Frazier in 2011 and Ali in 2016). Ali expressed public regret for his harsher personal remarks, and upon Frazier's death in 2011, Ali paid tribute to him with respect and admiration.
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Sources
- 1.SourceAli Honors Frazier Following His Passing · Nov 8, 2011
- 2.SourceAli Retains Title in 'Thrilla in Manila' · Oct 1, 1975
- 3.SourceAli Wins Rematch at Madison Square Garden · Jan 28, 1974
- 4.SourceFrazier Defeats Ali in 'Fight of the Century' · Mar 8, 1971
- 5.SourceAli and Frazier Sign First Fight Deal · Dec 30, 1970
Allegations are attributed to the party that made them and are not statements of fact.