Trilogy One For The Ages Bowe-Holyfield Rivalry A Poor Man’s Ali-Frazier
“Thumbs up” was the running gag Wednesday at Caesars Palace as organizers for Bowe-Holyfield III fought to contain their joy in the aftermath of Mike Tyson’s decision to pull out of his Saturday fight against Buster Mathis Jr. at the MGM Grand because of a broken thumb.
With that little side-show out of the way, attentions turned on Riddick Bowe versus Evander Holyfield - The Rubber Match - which is being shopped here as one of the top heavyweight attractions in recent times.
Comparisons with the third fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1975 - “The Thrilla’ in Manila - might be sacrilege if not for the fact it is being propagated by Eddie Futch.
Futch, who trains Bowe, was in Frazier’s corner on that historic night. Futch made the painful but necessary decision not to allow a swollen-eyed Frazier out for the 15th round, securing victory for Ali in a fight some consider the century’s greatest.
“You’ve got the two top heavyweights of their time going against each other in their third fight,” the 81-year-old Futch said. “What’s going to keep it from being a great fight?”
Futch said the comparison is not a stretch, although he insists on qualifications.
“Neither one is as good as Muhammad Ali,” Futch said. “Neither one has the die-hard drive of Joe Frazier. But they could put up a fight as good as the ‘Thrilla in Manila.”’
xxxx Ringside viewing On TV: Cox Cable in Spokane will broadcast the BoweHolyfield fight on pay-per-view for $39.95 in advance and $44.95 if ordered the day of the event. To order, call 489-9000.