The term ‘Super-fight’ was first coined to describe the incredibly huge matchup between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier that took place on March 8, 1971. It was also called the ‘Fight of the Century’ every time it was discussed. I was just a kid when the fight took place in Madison Square Garden, but I remember the magnitude of the event and how everyone was talking about it. I remember I wanted Ali to win and at the time knew nothing about Muhammad’s 3 and a half year exile from the sport. Joe was a local Philadelphia fighter and a big favorite in my area, but for some reason I just liked Ali.
I also remember Sports Illustrated showing a copy of the $2.5 million dollar paychecks each fighter was paid. I got one dollar a week for my allowance back then, so that was sure a lot of money to me! I recall my older brother listening to the round by round call of the fight on our big console stereo in our living room. Announcers would tell what they saw on the closed circuit call and report it to the radio station. It was archaic but the only way to follow the fight at home. When the decision was announced for Frazier, I was disappointed but not enough of a reason to get to stay home from school. It was definitely the first Super-fight I remember in my lifetime though.
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