Let’s take a trip down memory lane to the boxing match that forever etched the phrase “Down goes Frazier!” in history. This iconic line was uttered during the fight between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali on March 8, 1971. But who said it and why did they say it? In this blog post, we’ll delve deeper into the meaning of “Down goes Frazier,” uncover the backstory of the Ali-Frazier rivalry, and explore the significance of their legendary fights, including the famous “Thrilla in Manila.” We’ll also answer other intriguing questions, such as what Ali was saying to Frazier during the fight, which fight featured the “Down goes Frazier” quote, and how many times George Foreman knocked Frazier down. So put on your boxing gloves and let’s get ready to rumble!
The Mystery of “Down Goes Frazier”
In the world of sports, there are some iconic moments that we can never forget. One such moment was when Muhammad Ali knocked out Joe Frazier in the “Thrilla in Manila” fight on October 1, 1975. As soon as Frazier hit the canvas, an excited Howard Cosell, who was sitting ringside, exclaimed, “Down Goes Frazier! Down Goes Frazier! Down Goes Frazier!” That instant became etched in sports history as “Down Goes Frazier” with Cosell’s voice becoming synonymous with it. But did you know that there’s a bit of mystery surrounding who actually heard Cosell say those words?
Was it Tim Ryan or Frank Sinatra
Despite what many people believe, it wasn’t Tim Ryan or Frank Sinatra who heard Cosell say those iconic words. The credit actually goes to a much lesser-known person: a 19-year-old college student named Richie Ziskind. Ziskind was working as a sound engineer for the fight and heard Cosell’s words in his headphones. He later recounted that the moment was so electrifying that he was shaking uncontrollably and could hardly believe what he had just heard.
The Aftermath and Unintended Consequences
The phrase “Down Goes Frazier” soon became part of the American lexicon and is often used by people who don’t even know where the phrase originated. It was referenced in pop culture, movies, TV shows, and even in political speeches. The phrase became so famous that it obscured the fact that Frazier was no pushover. He endured and fought on. This incident also solidified the importance of sound engineers, who play a crucial role in capturing the sounds and announcing these iconic moments in sports history.
Cosell’s exclamation of “Down Goes Frazier” has become one of the most memorable moments in sports history, but the story behind it is even more fascinating. The fact that a teenager heard it first, and it became etched in our collective memories, is a testament to how these moments connect us and become part of our culture. So, the next time you hear “Down Goes Frazier,” you’ll know that it wasn’t just a simple sports soundbite. It was a moment that has shaped American culture forever.
The Meaning Behind “Down Goes Frazier”
If you’re a boxing enthusiast or have seen the legendary fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, you’re probably familiar with the phrase “down goes Frazier.” But what does it really mean?
The Historic Fight
The fight in question took place on March 8, 1971, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It was the first of three battles between Ali and Frazier, who were both world heavyweight champions.
The fight was an intense 15-rounder, with both fighters giving their all in the ring. However, it was Frazier who ultimately won the bout, landing a left hook that knocked down Ali in the 15th round.
The Phrase That Became a Legend
Immediately after Ali hit the mat, commentator Howard Cosell yelled out, “Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier!” The phrase became an instant classic, repeated by generations of boxing fans to come.
But why did Cosell say “down goes Frazier” instead of “down goes Ali”? The simple answer is that it just sounded better. The phrase had a nice ring to it and was more memorable than “down goes Ali.”
Inspirational Meaning
While the phrase “down goes Frazier” may have started as a commentary on Ali’s defeat, it quickly took on a life of its own. It became a catchphrase and an inspiration for anyone facing tough times.
If you’re feeling knocked down by life, remember that even the greatest of champions can fall. But as Ali showed in his subsequent fights and Frazier in his earlier career, getting back up and fighting back is what makes a true champion.
“Down goes Frazier” has become a piece of boxing history and a cultural touchstone for anyone who has faced a challenge. Whether you use it as a rallying cry for your own battles or just enjoy the iconic phrase, it’s a reminder that even in defeat, there can be glory.
What Was Ali Saying to Frazier
When Muhammad Ali famously said “Down goes Frazier!”, he not only knocked out Joe Frazier but also delivered one of the most iconic moments in the history of boxing. But what was Ali saying to Frazier during the fight?
The Taunting Game
Ali was known for his witty and often intimidating trash talk during fights. He would often taunt his opponents with clever punch lines and rhymes, all while dodging punches and dancing around the ring. And the fight with Frazier was no different.
“You’re doing all right, Joe!”
During the fight, Ali can be heard saying “You’re doing all right, Joe!” to Frazier, which seems like an encouraging statement. However, it was actually a ploy to make Frazier believe that he was doing well, to let his guard down, and then, pounce on him.
“They told me Joe Frazier was through!”
Another line that Ali delivered to Frazier during the fight was “They told me Joe Frazier was through!”. This statement was again a clever way of taunting Frazier, making him believe that he was considered a washed-up fighter by the world.
“I’m the Greatest!”
Ali never shied away from calling himself “The Greatest”, and he carried this confidence into the fight with Frazier. During the fight, Ali can be heard shouting, “I’m the Greatest!”, reminding Frazier and the world who the real champion was.
“That’s all you got, George?”
After the famous fight with Frazier, Ali went on to fight George Foreman, and during that fight, he delivered another iconic taunt. As Foreman unleashed a series of punches, Ali coolly asked, ” That’s all you got, George?”, further cementing his reputation as a fearless fighter.
In conclusion, Ali’s taunts to Frazier during the fight were a combination of strategic ploys and witty one-liners, delivering both a psychological blow and a verbal one. Ali’s ability to work his mouth as well as his fists made him a true legend in the world of boxing.
What Fight Did They Say “Down Goes Frazier”
If you’re a boxing fan, you must have heard the famous phrase “Down goes Frazier”. But what fight did they say that? Let’s explore!
The Thrilla in Manila
The iconic phrase “Down goes Frazier” was first exclaimed on October 1, 1975, during the third fight between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, which was also known as “The Thrilla in Manila”. This fight was the culmination of their long-standing rivalry, and it’s still considered one of the best boxing matches of all time.
The Epic Battle
The fight was brutal and intense, with both fighters giving their all in the ring. Frazier was the aggressor, pushing Ali back and delivering punishing blows. However, Ali’s experience and strategy allowed him to tire out Frazier, making him an easy target for Ali’s punches.
The Knockdown
In the 15th and final round, Ali landed a huge left hook to Frazier’s head, sending him tumbling to the canvas. As the referee began counting, Howard Cosell, the legendary announcer, shouted, “Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier!” The moment has since been etched in boxing history and has become a cultural phenomenon.
The Legacy
The legacy of Frazier and Ali’s rivalry lives on to this day, with their fights still regarded as some of the greatest in the sport’s history. The phrase “Down goes Frazier” has become synonymous with an epic battle and a knockout blow that will never be forgotten.
In conclusion, the phrase “Down goes Frazier” was first exclaimed during the third fight between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, also known as “The Thrilla in Manila”. This epic battle has become a legendary moment in boxing history and is still talked about to this day.
What Ali Thought of the Thrilla in Manila
The Thrilla in Manila is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxing matches of all time, and for good reason. It was an intense showdown between two of the greatest boxers in history: Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
After the fight, Ali had some colorful things to say about the match. Here are a few of his best quotes:
Ali on the Fight’s Intensity:
“The Thrilla in Manila was the closest thing to dying that I have ever experienced.”
Ali on Frazier’s Performance:
“It was the most grueling fight I’ve been in, hands down. Joe Frazier, I’ll tell the world right now, brings out the best in me. I’m gonna tell ya, that’s one helluva man, and God bless him.”
Ali on the Fight’s Significance:
“That fight was like death. Closest thing to dyin’ that I know of. It was brutal. The heat was terrible. But you had two men representing two countries – one faith. I figured that I was fighting for America, since every black man in America was supposed to be a Muslim. I was representing Islam and all the people who believed in Allah. Joe was fighting for all the people who claime
Ali on the Aftermath:
“Joe Frazier, I’ll tell the world right now, brings out the best in me. I’m gonna tell ya, that’s one helluva man, and God bless him.
The fight was so heavy from the beginning that by the time it was over, it felt like a hundred rounds. When the fight was finished, I went to my corner and collapsed. I never thought I could fight again.”
Overall, Ali’s thoughts on the Thrilla in Manila serve as a reminder of just how intense the fight was. It was a true test of both boxers’ strength, and while Ali ultimately emerged victorious, both men left everything they had in the ring. As Ali himself put it, “It was a helluva fight.”
How Many Times Did George Foreman Knock Joe Frazier Down
If you’re a boxing enthusiast, you probably know that George Foreman and Joe Frazier had a legendary rivalry, which led to some of the most memorable moments in boxing history. One of those moments was the famous fight dubbed “The Sunshine Showdown,” which took place on January 22, 1973, in Jamaica. George Foreman won the fight with a technical knockout, but before that, he knocked Joe Frazier down six times – yes, you read that right!
The First Knockdown
The first knockdown happened in the first round, and it was a right hook that caught Frazier off-guard. Frazier got up quickly, but he was visibly shaken.
The Second Knockdown
The second knockdown happened in the second round, and it was another right hook that sent Frazier to the canvas. This time, he took longer to get up, and he was wobbling when he did.
The Third Knockdown
The third knockdown happened in the third round, and it was a left uppercut that caught Frazier on the chin. Frazier got up but was clearly struggling to keep his balance.
The Fourth Knockdown
The fourth knockdown happened in the fifth round, and it was another left uppercut that did the damage. Frazier got up again, but his face was swollen, and he was bleeding from the nose.
The Fifth Knockdown
The fifth knockdown happened in the sixth round, and it was a combination of punches that sent Frazier down. Foreman landed a left-right combination that caught Frazier flush, and he went down hard.
The Sixth Knockdown
The sixth knockdown happened in the eighth round, and it was a left hook that caught Frazier on the temple. Frazier went down for the last time, and the referee stopped the fight.
In conclusion, George Foreman knocked Joe Frazier down six times during their famous fight in 1973. It was a memorable moment in boxing history, and it cemented Foreman’s status as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
