The legendary heavweight bosing champion ‘Smokin Joe Frazier’ lost his brief battle to liver cancer on Monday, Nov. 7, 2011 at the age of 67 years-old.
Frazier’s long career in boxing was full of many victories, but he will be most remembered for being the first boxer to defeat Muhammad Ali.
A vicious left hook from Frazier put Muhammad Ali on the canvas in the 15th round in March 1971 when he became the first man to beat him in the Fight of the Century at Madison Square Garden.
“That was the greatest thing that ever happened in my life,” Frazier once said.
“I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration,” Ali said in a statement. “My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones.”
They fought three times, twice in the heart of New York City and once in the morning in a steamy arena in the Thrilla in Manila in the Philippines. They went 41 rounds together. Neither gave an inch and both gave it their all.
The 67-year-old athlete’s remains will be in public view at the Wells Fargo Center from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, the family said. “This will be an opportunity for his many fans, supporters and boxing lovers from around the world to pay their final respects to Joe Frazier.”
The service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church.
Star boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather offered to pay for Frazier’s funeral. The family said donations in Frazier’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.
