evaluating the greatest ever fights is complex variable of several factors including not only the quality and excitement of the action but the political , social and cultural undertones , the scale of expectation and outside influences .
in this , the third in a series of 12 fights that shaped boxing history , i look back on one of the most anticipated events of the 20th century which divided a nation .
the second fight of the century ' ali 's evasive abilities and speed , such as this swerve from a frazier hook , kept him in the fight .