Ali Frazier - late 71 to early 73??

hebrew_hammer · Post by **hebrew_hammer** » 19 Aug 2006, 17:16

I wasn't old enough at the time to know why, but it amazes me, looking back, that Ali could not get a rematch with Frazier any time from late in 71 to early 73. It seems like he was running over every contender in the division, and I'm sure he wanted a rematch, so I'm curious to hear thoughts / reasons as to why it didn't happen. If anything, mid-late 72 should have been a perfect time. With so many historians on here, I'm sure somebody knows why. Thanks

BoxBuzz · Post by **BoxBuzz** » 19 Aug 2006, 17:26

he would have been up right after Joe took care of George...but something happened along the way that changed things.

BoxBuzz · Post by **BoxBuzz** » 19 Aug 2006, 17:31

Dec is right but I don't think he could have denied Ali much longer if he would have beat George.

hebrew_hammer · Post by **hebrew_hammer** » 19 Aug 2006, 17:47

I figured it had something to do with Frazier's ill will towards Ali, but wanted to make sure. It's actually an injustice it didn't happen... I'm guessing the public was screaming for it. You think that may have affected Ali's lackluster performances against Bugner and Norton early 73? Not that the results would have been different - but maybe it took away some motivation to be in his best shape?