Comments on: Thrilla in Manila Review, Sundance 2009.

By: James jones

James jones — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:08:11 +0000

Joe frazier once called Frank Rizzo a great man. Frank Rizzo is probably, with the exception of Bull Conner, the most racist police chief in the history of this country. Ali has always spoken out for the underclass. Joe Frazier has no one to blame but his standing in the black community but himself. Yes, Ali said alot of things that he should not have said, but he also said things that no one else had the courage to say. Ali spoke up at a time when we needed someone to speak up for us. Joe Frazier has done nothing but make a fool out of himself over the years. And for anyone suggest that Ali would have quit in Manill, if Joe hadnt sat out the 14th round, is insane. Ali fought Ken Norton with a broken jaw. Ali had one the best chins of any heavyweight in history. And has fought some of the greatest puchers of our time. Ernie Shavers, Sonny Liston, George Forman. Joe on the other hand got destoyed by George Forman, he looked like a rank amatuer in his fight against Forman. Ali was out of the fight game three years, and almost beat Frazier in thier first fight. Frazier was beaten man in Manilla. Ali’s no saint, but he has paid the price for his choices, in more ways than one. When he lost a fight he came back and won. Joe never avenged his losses against Ali or Forman. AIi is an icon. Joe frazier an american hero? Joe Louis, Pat tillman, Ted williams, Joe D, Jackie Roberson, Roberto clemente, these people fought in wars and took stand s for what they thought was right. What did Joe ever do? What qualifes him as an american hero? A filmaker from the UK, says so? Go to you tube and look at Joe and Ali on the Mike Douglass show or dick cavette, Joe acts like a cheap pimp. How Dare John Dower come hear and try to tell me who my heros should be. God help us if an american went to the UK and tried to tell the Brits who or who isnt a national hero. Ali earned his status

By: D. Watson

D. Watson — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:24:05 +0000

2.) I think it was last year when they started building a museum for Mohamed Ali. Madame Marcos was contacted to see if she had any special photos or other items she could donate. I’m a lucky man. I have the great honor of knowing this wonderful kind lady. It was hearing living history directly from one of the main persons involved as she talked about different events planned for the two legendary boxers.
She spoke very highly of both, and commented about how the 2 men who were to face each other later in the ring, were so thoughtful of each other outside of the ring. It gave insight into the personal side.
I love history, and boxing. Hearing about this historical event directly from a TRUE LIVING LEGEND , MADAME MARCOS. What an evening.

By: D. Watson

D. Watson — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 01:53:33 +0000

1.) Is the Mike Dempsey who posted moments ago perhaps related to the GREAT JACK DEMPSEY ? When only about 10 years old, I had the honor of meeting Mr. Dempsey in his New York restaurant. I was so in awe when I ask for his autograph, I could barely speak. He put me at ease by asking questions about ME!
When you are 10 yrs. old, and a legend is interested in what I had to say ! As the years passed, and I think back on that, I thought what a kind thing to do for an awkward small town kid, who obviously was overwhelmed.
He was the real deal.

By: Paul Moore

Paul Moore — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:30:27 +0000

Thanks for pointing out that slip of the brain, Mike. Correction made.

By: mike dempsey

mike dempsey — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 22:20:24 +0000

Before you make up you opinion on this film or the people in it. Please get the right names to go with the right people. Last time I checked Joe Lewis wasn’t fighting in the 60s or the 70s with anybody other than the IRS.

By: S.Katchian

S.Katchian — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 03:06:27 +0000

Thanks for this review. I was shooting from ringside at the Thrilla in Manila, for Sport magazine. What a fight! I look forward to seeing the documentary…I’m sure I will get very emotional seeing Joe now. (though I hear he no longer has the gym)