Rest in Peace Smokin’ Joe Frazier

Former heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier passed away on November 7th, 2011 in Philadelphia. Smokin’ Joe, as he was known, had suffered from liver cancer and had recently entered hospice care.  He was 67.

Frazier won the gold medal in the Heavyweight Division at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics before beginning his professional career.  He won the WBA Title in February 1970 after beating Jimmy Ellis on a TKO.

It was Frazier’s three matches against Muhammad Ali that are the most memorable.  They met the first time in New York on March 8th, 1971 in what was billed as “The Fight of the Century.”  Frazier won a unanimous decision over Ali, who was beaten as a professional for the first time.  They met for the second time on January 28th, 1964 and this time Ali won a unanimous decision.  They fought for the final time on October 1st, 1975 in the Philippines, in what was billed (by Ali) as “The Thrilla in Manilla.” Ali won this last fight on a  TKO in the 14th round.

Frazier had just two more bouts, the last one in 1981.  After retiring, he operated a gym in Philadelphia and trained other fighters.

Frazier was unquestionably one of the greats from a time when everyone, whether they were boxing fans or not, knew the names of Frazier, Ali, Ellis, George Foreman, Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonavena.

Rest in peace, Smokin’ Joe.

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