Legendary boxer Joe Frazier passed away last night, following a brief battle with liver cancer. After losing only 4 fights in his entire professional career, he lost his last fight battling a cancer that was diagnosed only 1 month ago.
“Smokin’ Joe” Frazier was a 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist, who was known for a devastating left hook that allowed him to retire with a 32-4-1 record. He fought many of the great boxers of his era, but it was his bouts with Muhammad Ali that were the most memorable.
In 1971, Frazier beat Ali at the “Fight of the Century” at Madison Square Garden. In the 15th round, Frazier landed perhaps the most famous left hook in history, catching Ali on the jaw and dropping him to the ground for a 4-count. Frazier left the ring that night as the heavyweight champ, handing Ali his first professional defeat.
Ali then won a 12-round decision in a January 1974 rematch, which set the stage for the most famous boxing match of all time: the “Thrilla in Manila” just outside the Philippine capital in 1975. Ali took the early rounds, but Frazier rebounded before losing the last 5 rounds. By the end of the 14th, Frazier’s eyes were so swollen shut, his corner was forced to stop the fight, handing the victory to Muhammad Ali. Later, Ali would say, “It was the closest I’ve come to death.”
Joe Frazier spent the last days of his life in hospice care, fighting off his cancer in true “Smokin’ Joe” Frazier-style until the end. He was 67. Fans and well-wishers are being asked to post their thoughts and prayers at joefrazierscorner.com.
