JOE FRAZIER

Joseph William "Joe" Frazier (January 12, 1944 November 7, 2011), nicknamed "Smokin' Joe", was
an American professional boxer who competed from 1965 to 1981. He reigned as
the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1970 to 1973, and as an amateurwon a gold medal at
the 1964 Summer Olympics. Frazier was known for his sheer strength, durability, formidable punching
power, and relentless pressure fighting style.
Frazier emerged as the top contender in the late 1960s, defeating opponents that included Jerry
Quarry, Oscar Bonavena, Buster Mathis, Eddie Machen, Doug Jones, George Chuvalo and Jimmy Ellis en
route to becoming undisputed heavyweight champion in 1970, and followed up by
defeating Muhammad Ali by unanimous decision in the highly anticipated Fight of the Century in 1971.
Two years later Frazier lost his title when he was defeated by George Foreman. He fought on, beating Joe
Bugner, losing a rematch to Ali and beating Quarry and Ellis again.
Frazier's last world title challenge came in 1975, but he was beaten by Ali in their brutal rubbermatch,
the Thrilla in Manila. He retired in 1976 following a second loss to Foreman. He made a comeback in
1981, fighting just once, before retiring. The International Boxing Research Organization rates Frazier
among the ten greatest heavyweights of all time.[2] In 1999, The Ring magazine ranked him the eighth
greatest heavyweight.[3] He is an inductee of both the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World
Boxing Hall of Fame.
Frazier's style was often compared to that of Henry Armstrong and occasionally Rocky Marciano,
dependent on bobbing, weaving and relentless pressure to wear down his opponents. His best known
punch was a powerful left hook, which accounted for most of his knockouts. In his career he lost to only
two fighters, both former Olympic and world heavyweight champions: twice to Muhammad Ali, and
twice to George Foreman.
After retiring, Frazier made cameo appearances in several Hollywood movies, and two episodes of The
Simpsons. His son Marvisbecame a boxertrained by Frazier himselfbut was unable to match his
father's success. His daughter Jackie Frazier-Lyde also boxed professionally. Frazier continued to train
fighters in his gym in Philadelphia. His later years saw periodic insults and bitter feelings towards Ali,
interspersed with brief reconciliations.
Frazier was diagnosed with liver cancer in late September 2011 and admitted to hospice care.[4] He died
of complications from the disease on November 7, 2011.