On March 20, 1971, one of the greatest heavyweight boxing matches in history took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The fight was between two undefeated boxers, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, in what was dubbed the "Fight of the Century."
The buildup to the fight was intense, with both fighters trading verbal jabs and boasting about their abilities. Ali, who had been stripped of his heavyweight title and banned from boxing for refusing to be drafted into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, was making his comeback after a three-and-a-half-year hiatus. Frazier, meanwhile, had won the heavyweight title in Ali's absence and was determined to prove that he was the true champion.
The fight itself was a brutal and closely contested affair. Frazier came out swinging, putting constant pressure on Ali and landing powerful left hooks. Ali, known for his quick footwork and lightning-fast jabs, tried to keep Frazier at bay but struggled to find his rhythm.
In the 15th and final round, Frazier landed a thunderous left hook that sent Ali stumbling backwards. Ali managed to stay on his feet, but Frazier continued to pour on the pressure, leaving no doubt as to who was the victor.
The judges' scorecards confirmed what everyone had seen: Frazier had won by unanimous decision, handing Ali his first professional loss and cementing his place as the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
The fight had a lasting impact on both fighters' careers and on the sport of boxing as a whole. Ali and Frazier would go on to fight two more times, with Ali winning both rematches. But the "Fight of the Century" remains a defining moment in sports history, a testament to the incredible skill, courage, and determination of two of the greatest boxers of all time.
