Frazier – who was born in a small southeastern U.S. town – was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer last month. He was known for his epic fights with boxing legend Muhammad Ali in the 1970s.
He was the first man to beat Ali, knocking him down and taking a decision in the so-called “Fight of the Century” in 1971.
Frazier would go on to lose two more fights to Ali, including the famed 1975 “Thrilla in Manila” in the Philippines.
He won a gold medal for the United States at the 1964 Olympic Games before enjoying a successful pro career.
Frazier retired in 1976 with a record of 32 wins, 4 losses and 1 draw.
Photo: Joe Frazier was awarded the Order of the Palmetto in Beaufort, South Carolina, United States. (Photo by Akira Kouchiyama / TheDigitel Beaufort)
From Leslie Dawn Hayes:
ReplyDeleteRIP Smokin' Joe.