Now here’s an aspect where Frazier’s skills are undermined. He is similar to Terence Crawford today was great at making changes to his game to suit the needs. He knew that he was getting outmaneuvered by Ali from distance, thus he started getting close to him. This helped him discover Ali’s vulnerability. i.e. opening when he landed his shots.
When Ali hit Frazier with a left or the right, there was a split second where his body was exposed. Now the challenge for Frazier was to read which hand was coming towards him. But at the same time, the rewards were high as Ali was wide open each time, he threw any of these punches. Thus, Frazier had to time his punches like a legend and so he did.
With his low rhythm bobs and weaves, he stayed at mid-range and timed Ali’s punches to perfection. Ducking under a low hook, Frazier rolled a powerful left at Ali. The blow knocked Ali back against the ropes. Though Ali tried dancing away, he was shaken by Frazier’s newly found vigor.
At this moment, Ali looked vulnerable. He received a hook to the jaw and Frazier was measuring him perfectly with every punch (packed with venom). Frazier corned Ali and stayed at midrange to entice Ali to throw a jab. As Ali would punch him, he would easily duck and brush aside his punches. Astoundingly, it was Ali who was being schooled in this round.
Now many people wouldn’t agree with me. But I feel Ali was just one punch away from getting knocked out. The same punch that made him lay on the mat was attempted yet again, however, Ali luckily was able to avoid it.