THE former world heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier has passed away. He was 67.
Known as Smokin’ Joe, Mr. Frazier was the first man to beat Muhammad Ali in 1971 in what was branded “Fight of the Century”.
They were to meet in the ring twice more during what has become known as the Golden Age of heavyweight boxing.
A gold medalist in the 1964 Olympics, Mr. Frazier had become world champion in 1970 after beating Jimmy Ellis. Ali had been stripped of the title in 1967 after refusing to fight in Vietnam.
Mr. Frazier went on to lose his world title in 1973 to George Foreman.
But it was his three fights with Ali for which he will be best remembered.
However, he was unable to repeat the success of 1971 on the two further occasions that they were to meet in the ring, including the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ in 1975.
Mr. Frazier was only beaten four times in his career — twice by Ali and twice by George Foreman.
His record in the ring is all the more remarkable since for most of his career he was effectively blind in one eye.
He retired in 1976 following his second defeat at the hands of Foreman, and was to make an unsuccessful one-fight comeback in 1981.
Mr. Frazier, who was suffering from liver cancer, passed away in Philadelphia.
Both his old adversaries paid tribute to him.
Muhammad Ali said: “The world has lost a great champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration”.
George Foreman twitted his tribute: “Goodnight Joe Frazier. I love you dear friend”.
To view a tribute to Joe Frazier click here.
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