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Ali vs. Frazier
IV - Frazier vs. Ali
Turning Stone Casino Resort,
Verona, NY
June 8, 2001
Well, did this fight live up to
its billing? Lou Duva prior to
the fight said “that after the first round the critics will eat crow”.
And they did…. Even
though Laila Ali (10-0, 8 KO's) and Jacqui Frazier-Lyde (7-1, 7 KO's) may
not have possessed the same skill level that their fathers did in the
original Ali-Frazier bouts, they did possess the strength and courage that
made both of their father’s champions!
Fighting in front of almost 8,000 fans, Laila Ali (160 ¾), the
seventh daughter of Muhammad Ali scored an eighth round majority decision
over Jacqui Frazier-Lyde(164). Judge
Frankie Adams scored the eight round bout 79-73, while Don Ackerman scored
it 77-75 and Tommy Hicks saw it even at 76.
Jacqui
Frazier-Lyde was a much tougher opponent than Ali had expected.
Prior to the fight, Ali claimed she would give Frazier-Lyde a
“whuping” and would "chase her out of the ring forever".
This did not happen and both fighters traded punches
relentlessly throughout the fight. They
spent most of the bout trying to get a one-punch knockout and provided the
fight fans with a bout they would never forget.
It was non-stop action for eight rounds and Ali at the post fight
press conference admitted that she did not stick to her game plan though was
happy to pull out the win fighting Frazier’s fight.
Ali "didn't know what Jacqui could take or what to expect from
her" since many of Jacqui’s fights ended early due to knockouts.
So
what’s next? A rematch?
Well, it appears not for now. Ali
requested that there be a no rematch clause in their fight contract as she
wants some championship belts around her waist prior to any rematch.
Ali will not have problems finding someone to fight as many potential
opponents were rumored to be in attendance at the fight.
Frazier mentioned that if Laila does not want a rematch then she is
going to fight Freida George Forman.
This
boxing event coincided with the International Boxing Hall of Fame weekend
held in Canastota, NY. In
attendance were over 50 current an past boxing champions including Joe
Frazier, Felix “Tito” Trinidad, Sugar Ray Leonard, Aaron Pryor, Alexis
Arguello, Michael Spinks, Leon Spinks, Carmen Basillio and many others.
The
undercard results are as follows:
Cruiserweight
- 4 rds
James Izzard (2-2) unanimous decision over Henry Ratrey (5-2)
Jr.
Middleweight - 6 rds
Gary Jones (18-1) unanimous decision over Giorbis Barthelemy (20-6-1)
Jr.
Middleweight - 10 rds
Bronco McKart (44-3) unanimous decision over Mitchem (19-4-1)
Super
Middleweight - 10 rds
Omar Sheika (23-2) TKO 7 Lionel Ortiz (22-8-1)
Heavyweight
- 10 rds
Monte Barrett (25-2) unanimous decision over Tim Witherspoon (51-11-1)
Reported by: David
Dylis, Editor, BoxingHelp.com, info@boxingHelp.com
One of the top five tourist
attractions in New York, Turning Stone Casino Resort is located just off New
York State Thruway Exit 33 in Verona (about 30 miles east of Syracuse).
For ticket information on upcoming fights, contact the Showroom Box Office
at (877) 833-SHOW or (315) 361-SHOW. |
