<P> Prior to his enforced layoff, Ali had displayed uncommon speed and dexterity for a man of his size . He had dominated most of his opponents to the point that he had often predicted the round in which he would knock them out . However, in the fight preceding the Frazier fight, Ali struggled at times during his 15th - round TKO of Oscar Bonavena, an unorthodox Argentinian fighter who was prepared by Hall of Fame trainer Gil Clancy . </P> <P> Frazier had an outstanding left hook, and was a tenacious competitor who attacked the body of his opponent ferociously . Despite suffering from a serious bout of hypertension in the lead - up to the fight, he appeared to be in top form as the face - off between the two undefeated champions approached . </P> <P> The fight held broader meaning for many Americans, as Ali had become a symbol of the left - wing anti-establishment movement during his government - imposed exile from the ring, while Frazier had been adopted by the conservative, pro-war movement . According to the 2009 documentary Thriller in Manila, the match, which had been dubbed "The Fight", "gripped the nation . "Just listen to the roar of this crowd!" thundered Burt Lancaster, the color man . "The tension, and the excitement here, is monumental!" </P> <P> The bout was noted for its general appeal with non-boxing and non-sport fans holding an impassioned rooting interest in one of the fighters . Mark Kram wrote in Sports Illustrated: </P>

Where was the fight of the century first scheduled to be held