Fifty Years After History’s Most Brutal Boxing Match

Photo by Neil Leifer for Sports Illustrated. — Photo by Neil Leifer for *Sports Illustrated*.

The Thrilla in Manila, the fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier that took place in 1975, nearly killed them both. In this glorious (paywalled) piece of sports writing, Vann R. Newkirk II recounts the event, its lead-up, and its consequences. Incredible writing, putting you right in that scorching arena.