March 8, 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary "Fight of the Century" between boxers Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.


What You Need To Know

  • The International Boxing Hall of Fame has announced plans for a Trilogy Induction in June of 2022. The event will honor inductees from the classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022

  • As for this year, the Hall is celebrating the 50th anniversary of "The Fight of the Century" which was the first bout between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier at Madison Square Garden

  • The ring used in the fight on March 8, 1971, now sits at the Hall in Canastota and is on display in the Hall of Fame Pavilion

  • The Village of Canastota has proclaimed March 8 as "Fight of the Century" Day in the village

It was the first of three big fights known as “the Trilogy” between the heavyweight fighters which captivated sports fans from around the world. The International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota holds a big piece of the fights history.

Hall Executive Director Ed Brophy loves sharing his knowledge of boxing with the world.

“The exhibit is just a wonderful exhibit and it tells everything about the Garden. We’re so proud of it and excited for people to see it when they come through,” said Brophy.

From boxing legends to new displays, the Hall’s executive director gets excited when showcasing the treasured museum.

“This particular section highlights the programs and tickets of heavyweight championship fights. Every program and every ticket is in mint condition,” Brophy said.

However, for the second June in a row, the Hall’s biggest weekend will have to wait. Instead of jamming thousands of people in the museum this summer, Brophy said three classes of inductees will be honored next year.

Some notables include Floyd Mayweather Junior and Laila Ali.

“We’re going to theme the following year a Trilogy induction weekend and it’s going to be a fantastic weekend.  If there was ever a Triology, it would be the sport of boxing. If there were ever a place for it, it would be Canastota. It’s going to be the biggest reunion ever in boxing,” said Brophy.

The word trilogy is synonymous with boxing. Some of the most anticipated fights ever include the three classic fights in the seventies between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

This month, the Hall is celebrating the 50th anniversary of “The Fight of the Century” which was the pair’s first duel at Madison Square Garden. That very ring now sits in the Hall of Fame.

“The most famous ring in the history of boxing. If you had to pick one item, in boxing, the most famous artifact, what would it be?  Is it a robe, is it the gloves? What would it be? This is it. This is the most famous artifact in boxing," said Brophy.

Let’s face it, there’s never a bad time to revisit great history. While the big events for Hall of Fame Weekend will pause one more round, the Hall is encouraging guests now.

“Really walk down boxing’s memory lane, and learn of the history and recall the memories and learn of the sport,” said Brophy.

There’s no doubt visiting the museum soon and the impact it can have certainly can pack a powerful punch. The Boxing Hall of Fame has plans to unveil a new Females in Boxing exhibit later this year.

For more information about visiting or to make a donation, just visit Ibhof.com.