Live boxing returns to ESPN on Tuesday after a four-month hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic. But before Shakur Stevenson steps back in the ring, boxing fans will have a chance to revisit one of the best trilogies in boxing history: Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier (Sunday, 7 p.m. ET on ESPN).
Ali-Frazier I had not been aired on U.S. television in nearly 30 years (it previously aired in August 1991) until it was shown on ESPN last month.
On March 8, 1971, Ali and Frazier met for the first time at the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York in what was called the "Fight of the Century." Since Ali was the heavyweight lineal champion and Frazier held the WBC and WBA belts, the fight was for the undisputed championship. Until then, no unbeaten fighters had fought each other for the heavyweight title.
Ali and Frazier met again on Jan. 28, 1974 -- with no titles at stake -- in what was called the "Super Fight II," also at MSG. On Oct. 1, 1975, Ali and Frazier fought once again for the heavyweight championship in the "Thrilla in Manila" at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines.
How do I watch the fights?
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Here's the full schedule:
Sunday, 5 p.m. ET: Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier I
Sunday, 7 p.m. ET: Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier II
Sunday, 8 p.m. ET: Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier III