CHAPTER 4: THE COMEBACK AND THE
RIVALRIES
The return was hard. Joe Frazier was a warrior. Our first fight, the
'Fight of the Century' at the Garden, was the first time I ever truly lost. It
humbled me, but it didn't break me. Then came George Foreman in
Zaire—The Rumble in the Jungle. Everyone thought George would kill
me. He was younger and stronger. I used the 'Rope-a-Dope,' let him tire
himself out, and regained my crown. Then came the Thrilla in Manila
against Joe. That was the closest I ever came to death. We gave
everything we had. After that, I wasn't just a boxer; I was a symbol of
endurance.
FIGHT TIMELINE:
1971: The Fight of the Century (vs. Frazier)
1974: The Rumble in the Jungle (vs. Foreman)
1975: The Thrilla in Manila (vs. Frazier)
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