One of the most frenzied and bitter rivalries in sport, that gave birth to several classic boxing bouts including the 'Fight of the Century' at Madison Square Garden in 1971 and the 'Thriller in Manila' in 1975.

The rivalry was punctuated with insults from the fast-talking Ali aimed primarily at Frazier's appearance, repeatedly calling him a "Gorilla" during their entire feud.

Although Frazier won two of the three bouts he had against Ali he has shown himself to be extraordinary bitter towards his old adversary. He still blames his trainer for throwing in the towel before the final round in the 'Thriller in Manilla' and insists he won all three of his fights against Ali. His autobiography 'Smoking Joe' was very disparaging to Ali and in it Frazier described Ali's lighting of the Olympic flame in 1996 by saying he wanted to throw him into the fire.