Re: Joe Frazier (FOTC) vs Riddick Bowe (Holyfield I)
Posted: 07 Nov 2016, 12:21
Great to know that SenorPipino. That is why NOBODY wants to fight in New York anymore. That is why all the fights, mostly all of them, are done in Vega$$$$$SenorPipino wrote:Just a small correction....although maybe not so small if you're talking about 1971.elmersalsa wrote:keithmoonhangover wrote:
Yes, I've seen the fight. You didn't answer my question. How does it being an anticipated fight have anything to o with Frazier's performance
It means that Smokin' Joe performed when the stakes where higher and bigger than life. He trained very hard for the fight. He was fighting one of the greatest boxers ever, the media attention was unbelievable an the name of the fight, FOTC, captured the imagination of the public. Plus, it was the FIRST TIME that two fighters were collecting $2 million dollars! A record payday for any fighter at the time. Plus, the stage was set in the most famous boxing arena: Madison Square Garden in New York City. It could not be better than that.
Both fighters made $2.5 million. In 1971, that extra $500,000 was a lot of extra money. Few fighters then, even great champions like a Monzon or Napoles earned a half million in a single night.
Today, a Pacquiao or Mayweather wouldn't even spar for $500,000.
Years later, Ali said that when all was said and did and done, he only cleared $450,000 from the fight.
New York State taxes on sports events were excessive at the time, and really cut into Ali and Frazier's final take.
Of course after deducting federal tax and paying management, Dundee and all the usual hangers-on (and let's not forget the devious Nation of Islam wanted its take too) Ali went home with a relatively paltry take from the FOTC.