How many times did Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali box each other in the ring?

Audiences fed on the high drama and pure athletic talent displayed during their three-fight history with Ali winning twice and Frazier once.

The first fight was called the 'Fight of the Year' by 'The Ring' magazine (also known as 'The Fight of the Century'). It was a non-world title fight held in Madison Square Gardens, New York on March 8, 1971. Frank Sinatra was at the ringside for this fight taking photos for 'Life' magazine and the two fighters made a record purse of $2.5 million each (2018 = $11.7 million). Frazier sealed the unanimous decision by flooring Ali in the 15th round.

On January 28, 1974, a non-title boxing rematch at Madison Square Gardens was a win for Ali. He won a clear unanimous decision by using his speed to outpoint Frazier in a fight with no knockdowns.

A third fight occurred on October 1, 1975, called the "Thrilla in Manila" (capital city in the Philippines). It was contested for the heavyweight championship of the world at the Philippine Coliseum in Quezon City.

What developed was a brutal war of attrition fought in the searing heat and humidity that day. By the 15th round, Frazier came out of his corner with his left eye slit and nearly swollen shut. His trainer Eddie Futch said, "It's all over. No one will forget what you did here today." Ali won by a technical knockout (TKO). He raised his arms in triumph and then collapsed in the ring in exhaustion. Afterward, Ali called it the "closest thing to death" he ever had experienced.