The boxing world lost one of its legends. The former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion, Joe Frazier, passed away yesterday at the age of 67. It seems that Smokin' Joe had a brief battle with liver cancer before passing away. Frazier was sure fire Hall of Fame boxer being big heavyweight champion back when it meant something. He boxed from 1965-1976 with a brief comeback stint in 1981. His career totals were 32-4-1.
In any boxer's career, you are defined by your opponents. Frazier was defined forever more by Muhammad Ali. He was the first man to beat Ali and then he would lose to him twice including the famous "Thrilla in Manila" in 1975. Ali and Frazier's match ups were stuff of legend. Although Ali benefited more from the matches in the long run, Frazier still got a place in history from it as well. To be known as one of Ali's toughest opponents, that's not a bad place in history at all.
Rest in Peace, Smokin' Joe.
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