Ali-Frazier III: "The Thrilla in Manila"

The historic rubber match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier took place in Quezon City on Oct. 1, 1975. President Ferdinand Marcos had campaigned for the fight with the hopes of diverting attention from the ongoing social turmoil in the Philippines. After briefly considering Cairo's Nasser Stadium as a venue, promoter Don King agreed to hold the fight at the 16,500-seat Araneta Coliseum. This cover shot for the Sept. 15 issue of SI was taken on Aug. 25.