In this bout , Ali 's speed and sharp left jab gave him the edge in the early rounds , but Frazier 's explosive left hook and battering - ram style had hurt Ali badly .
Ali had knocked out Foreman and he was the defending champion .
In this bout , champion 's speed and sharp left jab gave Ali the edge in the early rounds , but Frazier 's explosive left hook and battering - ram style had hurt champion badly .
Ali had knocked out Foreman and he was the defending champion .