Who Is Ali Without Frazier?

The Thrilla In Manila was arguably one of the greatest boxing matches of
all time. But where would Muhammad Ali be without the late Joe Frazier
pushing him? The world will certainly miss Frazier, who died of liver
cancer on Monday.

I was not around in 1975. And frankly, I feel bad if you were — with all the aching bones you must have when you wake up each morning, not to mention having to live through the disco era.

All joking aside, those that were alive will no doubt remember that warm morning in the Philippines when Smokin' Joe Frazier took on Muhammad Ali — also known as the Thrilla In Manila.

I didn't get to see it live, but I have caught glimpses of it on ESPN Classic from time to time.  I can only imagine what it was like to see Frazier and Ali lumbering around the ring after trading blows.

As I type this, I'm watching the movie "Troy" and I can't help but to relate Ali and Frazier to Achilles. Ali and Frazier were gladiators in their own right. Frazier's eyes were swollen shut while Ali compared the fight to dying.

But while the Thrilla In Manila was a great battle — it was nothing compared to what Frazier went through recently. On Monday night, Frazier lost his life to liver cancer.

It hardly seems possible that a man who went toe to toe with The Greatest died. He seemed almost like a superhero. I mean, who can't hear Howard Cosell's "Down goes Frazier" call after his 1973 fight against George Foreman in Jamaica?

When you think of boxing, Frazier is easily one of the first names that comes to mind. The man may be most famous for losses to Ali and Foreman, but he laid the foundation for guys like Mike Tyson and Manny Pacquiao.

No doubt the world will miss one of the greats, but I have a feeling he's already training for another round with Ali. And I, personally, can't wait for the Fight In The Sky or the Bout In The Clouds.