Muhammad Ali
VERSUS
Joe Frazier II
● LIVE_ARCHIVE
JAN 28, 1974
Historical Narrative
The Correction
After losing the first fight, Ali made a critical adjustment: no clowning. He neutralized Frazier’s bob-and-weave by holding him behind the neck—a controversial tactic allowed by Referee Tony Perez. This win set the stage for the Rumble in the Jungle.
Tape Analysis
Height6′ 3″ / 5′ 11″
Weight212 lbs / 209 lbs
Key Moment
Round 2 Controversy
Ali landed a straight right that buckled Frazier’s knees. Referee Perez jumped in, thinking he heard the bell, stopping the action and potentially saving Frazier from a knockdown or stoppage.
Official Record
UD (12 Rounds)
Unlike their other wars, this went the distance without a knockdown. Ali won on all cards (6-5-1, 7-4-1, 8-4), proving he could outbox the man who broke his jaw.
CONTINUE THE JOURNEY
The Full Fights
