Muhammad Ali Marathon on ESPN Classic
 

It looks like they are running his fights chronologically. I hated Ali as a kid but have grown to appreciate his brilliance over time. I really miss that boxing era. I especially have enjoyed watching the interaction between Ali and Cossell.

I'm watching it. It brings back memories. I hated Ali early on too but it soon became obvious the "Louisville Lip" was more than just talk. He could drop his hands and they still couldn't hit him.

I'm looking forward to the upcoming Frasier fights. :clap:

Boxing was a great sport back then and the heavyweights were the best part. Ali, Frazier, Quarry, Foreman, Bonavena, Spinks......Everybody knew those names and championship fights were a big deal.

I'm told that today the UFC fights are more popular than boxing. Is that true?

Thanks for the heads up, Mr. JimNasium.

My father hated Ali, but I always liked him. His refusal to serve in Vietnam while willing to step into the ring with a man/beast like Frazier was paradoxical - as was his conversion to Islam. He was a man for the times, to be sure. Someday, there will be another heavyweight with his combination of speed, size, power, and ability to take a punch, but they are very rare.

FAX

I remember the first Ali/Frazier fight. Every kid I knew had an opinion about who would win but the opinions seemed to be divided by the political leanings of our parents. It was bigger than boxing.

Ali really was The Greatest, IMO.

I'll bet most of us would have trouble naming more than 5 heavyweights who are actively boxing right now. :shake:

I certainly can't.

He just brutalized Jerry Quarry in this fight. Wow.

I couldn't

I could tell you 5 mma fighters though

The "Thrilla in Manila" was the best fight I've ever seen. Duran - Leonard 1 was a close second.

Rausch will be PISSED if he misses this.

That's what my 30 y/o son tells me. I watched some of those mma (?) fights with him a few weeks ago. He knew every fighter on the card. But he says that he and his friends, all sports fans, don't watch much boxing at all.

I wonder what happened?

This next one should be good. Bonavena gave Ali all he wanted IIRC.

What about Hagler-Hearns?