Which fight, between 1970-79, stands out as the most entertaining spectacle from that time? Not the biggest event, or the bout of greatest magnitude, but simply the most enthralling battle? The consensus pick seems to often by Ali-Frazier III. Mine would be Ali-Frazier I. There were many outstanding battles. My top three would look like this... 1st: Ali-Frazier I, 1971 2nd: Foreman-Lyle, 1976 3rd: Ali-Frazier III, 1975
For me, if you subtract the build up and signficance of the fight, Lyle-Foreman was the most entertaining. But you can't remove all those intangible things that create a build up to a big fight. Hell, you can still watch documentaries on the first Frazier-Ali bout and can feel the anticipation. I was only 8 at the time and didn't really understand the anti-Ali sentiment, and the good black versus bad black undertones, but I knew they were both undefeated and the best. I also had a little parental prejudice as my dad was a 8 year Army vet and hated Ali for obvious reasons. And I've always contended that none of other 2 bouts had near the fevered pitch of the first one. Even watching them now, and even though Ali lost, i still feel it was both guys at their absolute best.
Absolutely. In terms of just plain fun, that bout was unreal. It's the one that got me hooked on slugfest.
Well said regarding The Fight. I completely agree. Both guys at their best and the most instense of the fight trilogy. In terms of just the pure fights, Lyle v Shavers is up there, but still behind Foreman v Lyle. It happened in mid 1969, but if i don't mention this gem it may be forgotten: Frazier v Quarry 1. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor. Holmes-Norton as well
Yes, I thought a lot of 1969's Fight Of The Year, which I suppose is really part of the era, if not the decade. I excluded mentioning it for obvious reasons, but the true, "era" is probably circa 1965-79, in truth.
Always thought Foreman-Lyle sucked, sloppy as all hell, looked like tough man contest stuff. Just for shear, unparalleled drama and significance I'd go with da rumble in the jungle. Holmes-Norton was great, too.
