Ali-Frazier II

Ali-Frazier II was a boxing fight, the second of three bouts between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, that took place at the Madison Square Garden in New York City, on January 28, 1974.

Significance

Held in between their two other bouts, "The Fight of the Century" and "The Thrilla in Manila", the fight was considered by many fans and experts the most insignificant and boring fight of their rivalry. But this does not mean the fight itself was insignificant or boring; quite the contrary: Ali wanted to avenge his loss to Frazier in their first fight, and a world title try at Heavyweight champion George Foreman, who had dethroned Frazier, was at stake. Their first and third fights became part of boxing's lore, but most viewers considered the second fight to be entertaining as well.

Buildup

Before their rematch, Ali and Frazier visited the ABC studios in New York City to review their first fight for ABC's "Wide World of Sports". While both fighters were reviewing round 10, Ali began trash talking to Frazier about their respective hospital stays (according to Ali he spent 10 minutes in the hospital while Frazier stayed there for a month); an annoyed Joe responded with his fists and a fight broke out in the studio for which both were fined; the stage was set for their rematch in the ring.

Fight results

After hurting Frazier with a devastating right-hand in round two, Ali settled into a pattern of jabbing and keeping his distance for the rest of the fight, while Frazier pursued, landing some effective punches along the way.

After twelve rounds, Ali was unanimously declared the winner by scores of 116-113, 116-112 and 115-114.

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