Selected photographs from the Thrilla Archive.

The complete archive comprises 242 original 35mm color transparencies and negatives photographed ringside during Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier III—the “Thrilla in Manila.”

This page presents a curated selection. Additional images will be released in future installments.

Photographs by Lowell K. Riley. Manila, Philippines — October 1, 1975.

Collection

Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier facing off in the opening moments of the Thrilla in Manila fight, 1975, photographed by Lowell K. Riley
Early tension in the ring between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier during the Thrilla in Manila fight, 1975, photographed by Lowell K. Riley
Joe Frazier lands a left hand on Muhammad Ali against the ropes during the Thrilla in Manila, 1975 boxing match
Muhammad Ali measures and fends off Joe Frazier along the ropes in their rubber match, the Thrilla in Manila, 1975
A tactical pause between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier during the brutal Thrilla in Manila bout, October 1, 1975
Joe Frazier advances on Muhammad Ali in the early rounds of the Thrilla in Manila, 1975, photographed by Lowell K. Riley
Standoff balance between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in their third and final fight, Thrilla in Manila, 1975
Muhammad Ali counters Joe Frazier with a sharp punch during their third fight, Thrilla in Manila, 1975, photographed by Lowell K. Riley
Joe Frazier bobs and weaves his way through the defense of Muhammad Ali in the oppressive Philippine heat, Thrilla in Manila, October, 1975
Muhammad Ali braces for incoming violence at the hands of Joe Frazier during their historic bout in the Philippines, the Thrilla in Manila, 1975, photographed by Lowell K. Riley
Muhummad Ali depleted and exhausted in his corner between rounds of his violent showdown against Joe Frazier in the Thrilla in Manila, October 1975
Muhammad Ali vigilantly looks for an opening against Joe Frazier in their final matchup, the Thrilla in Manila, 1975, photographed by Lowell K. Riley
Momentum shifts between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier during the brutal Thrilla in Manila bout, October 1975
Accumulated damage on the face of Joe Frazier in the late rounds of his epic battle against Muhammad Ali in the Thrilla in Manila, 1975
Claustrophobic inevitability and visible exhaustion as Joe Frazier exerts pressure in the corner against Muhammad Ali in the historic Thrilla in Manila, October 1, 1975, photographed by Lowell K. Riley