Filipino fans remembering boxing legend Muhammad Ali gathered near the site of his epic "Thrilla in Manila" fight with Joe Frazier for an art and photo tribute on Friday.
The display near Araneta Coliseum at Ali Mall was launched hours before Ali's burial in the United States. Ali died on June 3, aged 74.
Outside the coliseum, a cutout picture of Ali stands in a boxing ring. Fans crowded around a screen playing videos of the 1975 match that put the Philippines on the map. Memorabilia including boxing gloves with Ali's autograph, an original souvenir program and a gold commemorative coin also are on display.
The October 1, 1975, heavyweight championship, one of the greatest boxing matches in history, was won by Ali on a technical knockout at the jam-packed coliseum in Manila's suburban Quezon city and was watched by a worldwide audience.
The fight was the third between Ali and Frazier, his most bitter rival. The boxers had split the first two bouts, neither of which compared to the gruelling third fight. Ali retained the title when Frazier, who could not see, was kept by trainer Eddie Futch from answering the bell for the 15th round. When it was over, a physically and emotionally drained Ali said, "It was the closest thing to death."
