The Turbulent Relationship and Forgiveness Between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali

Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali's relationship was marked by intense personal animosity and a fierce rivalry. However, in later years, both fighters acknowledged the importance of their rivalry in boxing history and seemed to come to terms with their past.

Complex and Contentious Relationship

Throughout their careers, Frazier and Ali had a bitter rivalry, with Ali making notable taunts and derogatory remarks about Frazier, such as referring to him as "Clay," which was considered an insult to his Muslim faith. Despite these taunts, Frazier and Ali faced each other in three matches, known as the trilogy.

Expressing Forgiveness

In interviews after their retirement, Frazier expressed a sense of respect for Ali, especially after Ali's battle with Parkinson's disease. Both fighters seemed to soften their perspectives, recognizing the significance of their rivalry in boxing history.

The Verbal Feud and Apology

While Frazier did acknowledge and express forgiveness towards Ali, it is important to note that Ali's apology was public and expressed in his autobiography, "The Greatest." Ali showered praises upon Frazier, referring to him as a great fighter. However, after the third fight in 1975, Frazier continued to use derogatory terms like "Clay," and even wrote an autobiography where he referred to Ali as "Clay."

Verbal Abuse and Mutual Insults

Ali's verbal barbs against Joe Frazier ended after their third fight in 1975, but Frazier continued to heap verbal abuse on Ali for decades after. Sometimes Frazier would talk about Ali so badly that his son had to tell him to stop. Ali, on the other hand, was known for his playful and psychological warfare style, one that was effective in drawing the emotions of his opponents.

The Legacy and Narrative

People often use the narrative of Ali's supposed cruelty towards Frazier to criticize Ali's legacy. However, it is important to remember that Ali never took anything personally unless it was an insult aimed at his religion. Ali loved his opponents, such as Floyd Patterson and Ernie Terrell, but those who wronged him solely on religious grounds would face his wrath.

Ultimately, both Ali and Frazier appear to have put their differences to rest, as evidenced by their public acknowledgment and mutual respect. It's time for the boxing community, and the general public, to respect the memories of these two great pugilists and let their legacy shine through their achievements and not through salvos of ongoing controversy.