One of the greatest fights in boxing history for the heavyweight world title took place on October 1, 1975, in Manila and was named Thrilla in Manila. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos offered to hold the bout in Metro Manila and sponsor it to divert attention from the social turmoil that the country was experiencing. Muhammad ALI, the world heavyweight champion, defended his title against former champion Joe FRAZIER, who became champion after Ali was stripped of his belt over his refusal to join the armed forces when drafted during the Vietnam war. It was a fantastic fight that was ended, when Frazier's trainer decided to stop the bout after round 14 rather than risk a similar or worse fate for Frazier.