PICTO New Yorkfor the opening of its new space in Brooklyn, presents Jean-Pierre Laffont: Ali against Frazier, the Fights of the Century. Jean-Pierre sent us the following text:
It was the match everyone wanted. It was called the “Fight of the Century” and took place at Madison Square Garden in New York on March 8, 1971. Both fighters were undefeated. Frazier had the belt. Ali, after more than three years of government-imposed exile, wanted to reclaim the belt taken from him when he refused to fight in the Vietnam War.
The title of “Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World” was on the line. The record $5 million purse would be split equally between them. The fight would go a full 15 rounds, with Frazier winning the title via unanimous decision. Ali refused to publicly admit his defeat, calling it a “white man’s decision.”
March 8, 1971 was frustrating because my GAMMA agency was brand new. No one knew us and I didn’t have full access to cover the event. Having only my foreign press accreditation, I was only allowed to photograph the arrival of the VIPs.
At the time, when it came to international events taking place in the United States, the way press accreditation was distributed was unfair. The major American agencies and television channels had priority, then the major magazines, then the daily newspapers, which received their images mainly from the AP and UPI agencies.
By 1974, I was better known and had better access. Surrounded by the press and bodyguards, Muhammad Ali made signs before brawling with Joe Frazier at ABC’s New York studio during the weigh-in. There was a lot of tension between them, which led to exchanges of insults. Both were fined $5,000 for behavior that “humiliated the sport of boxing.” That’s when I took the now famous photo of Ali pointing his finger right before the second game rematch. Ali then defeated Frazier on January 28 and retained his NABF title.
Jean-Pierre Laffont
Jean-Pierre Laffont : Ali vs. Frazier, Fights of the Century
September 22, 6:30 p.m.
PICTURE
77 Washington Ave, 3rd floor, Brooklyn.
www.pictony.com
2023-09-19 02:01:31
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