Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier were inextricably linked at the two greatest heavyweights of their generation. Their rivalry reached its climax in 1975 when, with one win each, they met for the third time in the epic struggle that Ali labeled The Thrilla in Manila. A relentless, brutal battle that Ali later described as a near-death experience was brought to a close by Eddie Futch, the trainer of Frazier, at the end of the 14th round. "Sit down, son, it's over," he said. It remains one of the most stirring fights in the history of this strange, compelling sport.