The Fight of the Century, Michael Arkush
The Fight of the Century, Michael Arkush
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The Fight of the Century
Ali vs. Frazier March 8, 1971

Author: Michael Arkush

Narrator: JD Jackson

Unabridged: 9 hr 10 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/17/2020

Synopsis

It was more than the long-awaited showdown between two superb athletes in their prime, more than the ultimate test of speed and artistry versus power and endurance. It was more than a boxing match, much more. The first meeting between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier at Madison Square Garden on March 8, 1971, transcended the world of sports to become a major international media spectacle with tremendous social and political overtones.

Sportswriter Michael Arkush draws from interviews with Ali's trainer, Angelo Dundee; his doctor, Ferdie Pacheco; and more than 100 others to examine how the fight, watched by more than 300 million viewers around the world, ushered in a new era of sports marketing. From then on, every game would be turned into an "event," powered by over-the-top hype and carefully staged pageantry.

This sweeping real-life saga features insightful portraits of both fighters. Among many telling details in this fascinating account, you'll discover why Ali's favorite foil, Howard Cosell, who had defended the champ passionately during his exile, did not call the fight, and how a prominent Hollywood agent and a California businessman teamed up to promote the event. You'll also learn how a little-known Georgia legislator helped make Ali's comeback possible.

About Michael Arkush

Michael Arkush has written or cowritten fifteen books, including the New York Times bestsellers, From the Outside with Ray Allen and The Big Fight with Sugar Ray Leonard. Arkush previously served as a staff writer at the Los Angeles Times. He lives with his wife, Pauletta Walsh, in Oak View, California.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Deacon Tom

A very well written book. The research is thorough. Overall, an easy read. SPOILER ALLERT: The pictures in the middle of the book show the winner. It ruined the drama of the story for me.......more

Goodreads review by RICK "SHAQ"

RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “WHERE WERE YOU ON MARCH 8, 1971??” ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Any boxing fan or true sports fan who was of a cognitive age on March 8, 1971 knows where they were on that fateful day. That was the day of the unchallenged “F......more

Goodreads review by James

Since I was a child March 8, 1971 has been somewhat of a landmark for me. I was an eleven year old caught up in all the preflight hoopla. It was not shown on TV, nor broadcast on the radio. All that was available was round updates on a local radio station. I remember laying bed rooting for Joe Frazi......more

Goodreads review by James

A bit too much detail about people surrounding the event not named Ali or Frazier. Then the description of the fight itself seemed a bit sparse in comparison with all that was written about those surrounding details. It almost seems like this book is more about the event of the fight rather than the......more

Goodreads review by Bill

I remember the arguments between friends over who would win this fight. Most favored Ali. They underestimated Frazier's unmatched resolve, steeled by Ali's relentless mockery of his former friend and supporter. It was a brutal fight which took an incredible toll on both men. The book does an excelle......more

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