Thrilla in Manila on GMA News TV

MANILA, Philippines - GMA News TV airs tomorrow the Thrilla in Manila – the classic match between boxing greats Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, which is widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight bout of all time.

Airing at 10 p.m. on Channel 11, Thrilla in Manila was the third and final boxing match between Ali and Frazier for the world heavyweight boxing championship. The fight, which was held on Sept. 30, 1975 at the Araneta Coliseum, lasted for 14 rounds with the advantage continually shifting between the tw Coach: Rico Morales o heavyweights as both men hit each other with relentless savagery.

Towards the end of the fight, Frazier, who only had vision in one eye, was virtually blind as his good eye swelled up and closed. Ali was also exhausted and neither seemed able to fight the final round. It was Frazier’s trainer, Eddie Futch, who finally called an end to the fight despite his protests. Ali had won, but Frazier had gained his respect. Ali would later say, “If God ever calls me to a holy war, I want Joe Frazier fighting beside me.”