It’s remembered as the greatest prize fight in boxing history. Fifty years ago this week, the Thrilla in Manila pitted Muhammed Ali and Joe Frazier in their third and most punishing battle for  the heavyweight championship of the world. For 14 brutal rounds the two men pushed each other to the brink, until Frazier’s trainer stopped the fight, giving Ali the victory. Broadcast live by satellite to an estimated audience of one billion, the fight was more than a sporting event, it was a global spectacle, seared into the memory of fans everywhere.

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