What if Frazier had won "The Thrilla in Manila?"

[Mintcar923]

If the situation were reversed and Ali didn't come out for that last round would Frazier rank higher on the ATG list? Would he have been considered "The Greatest??" I think had he won he'd have pretty much avenged both the last Ali fight and the Foreman loss at the same time. Ali admitted it very well could've happened that way. How would things have played out if that was the case?

[SCtrojansbaby]

Ali would still be ranked higher unless Frazier could of some how gone back in time and beat Foreman in Kingston

[Barn]

Yeah Ali would still be ranked higher, still be Top 2 like it is today, with the Louis vs Ali debate being much closer.

Frazier would also rank higher probably about 6.

[GoogleMe]

Then he'd rank a little higher

[bojangles1987]

I really don't think it should change anyone's opinion of Ali or Frazier, to be honest. I consider Ali-Frazier 3 a fight neither guy really won, and certainly neither was at their best or anything close.

For me, Frazier getting the win in that fight would not change my opinion of either fighter or how I ranked them.

[DarkTerror88]

Frazier gets so much credit for the thrills because everyone thought he was shot and done. Then to give a performance like that? It secured Frazier as one of the most fierce gladiators of the ring.

If he won it wouldn't take much away from Ali, as both were past prime, and add a little to him.

He beat Ali convincingly when the were close to their bests so that matter had already been decided.

[Forza]

As far as I'm concerned, he won the thrilla in manilla.

[gatorDelux]

he would have if he wasnt so prone to swelling....

probsbly would have rematched foremen and then foreman would fight ali agaiun an ali was shot so foreman would be no 1

[The Surgeon]

As far as I'm concerned, he won the thrilla in manilla.

There certainly werent any "Losers" if thats what u mean

Frazier has to be the Toughest son that ever walked the face of this earth

[GJC]

he would have if he wasnt so prone to swelling....

probsbly would have rematched foremen and then foreman would fight ali agaiun an ali was shot so foreman would be no 1

That's a good point you have to factor Foreman in. Frazier wins the thriller then he is going to rematch Foreman with I'm pretty sure the same result as the non title rematch. Then Ali would rematch Foreman, now there could be a big change there. Ali was in sharp decline after Manilla plus I can't see Foreman fighting such a dumb fight again. Rope a dope was only going to work once there. Ali might well have taken a hiding which would diminish his legacy. No 3rd title against Spinks etc. So Frazier's would maybe inch up a bit. Think it would hurt Ali's legacy more, not just losing in Manilla but possible subsequent events. As for Foreman think he would have reigned a fair while but I doubt whether we would have seen the comeback. So his legacy might depend on how you view it, a long reign but against a division he has pretty much cleaned out or that unbelievable second coming. Foreman cleans out the division and is fighting with mental strength might mean Holmes getting a shot a year too early, losing and possibly becoming a what if. Lots of what ifs there