In remembrance of Smokin’ Joe

The boxing world lost one of its all-time greats yesterday. Joe Frazier, Olympic gold medalists, undisputed world champion and conqueror of Muhummad Ali, died after a battle with liver cancer at the age of just 67.

It’s hard to talk about ‘Smokin’ Joe’ without mentioning Ali. For most of his career, Frazier was Ali’s foil.

Their battles – in the ‘Fight of the Century’ in 1971 and their third tussle the ‘Thriller in Manilla in 1975 – still rate as some of the greatest fights ever held. This was a time when boxing was king of the sporting world.

Frazier was a tough boxer, small in stature but huge in heart. He was known for his aggressive approach, that smothered opponents with constant pressure, and his weaving defensive style. In a long career he fought many greats – from Ali to George Foreman, Buster Mathis, Jimmy Ellis – and become one himself.

Frazier was renowned for his toughness and an unwillingness to give up in the ring. At the 1964 Tokyo Olympics he fought through the pain of a thumb injury to win both the semi-final and final.

In the historic third Ali fight in the Philippines, Frazier’s trainer threw in the towel before the 15th round despite him wanting to continue the bout, even though he had copped tremendous punishment.

Following the end of his boxing career, Frazier made a quite a few media appearances. There was a memorable cameo in The Simpsons episode where he gave Homer the Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence, and beat up Barney Gumble outside Moe’s Tavern.

He also made a brief appearance in Rocky, and what many people don’t know, is some of his exploits inspired the film. Frazier was based in Philadelphia and his training regime consisted of punching carcasses and running up the Museum of Art steps, which the Rocky character does in the film.

Even after his career was over, Frazier’s battles with Ali continued.

For me, Frazier never received anything close to the credit and plattitudes awarded to Ali, which is somewhat of a shame. No doubt they were very different people, and Ali’s decision to brush the Vietnam draft, his outspoken ways and his flirtation with the Nation of Islam made him a huge figurehead.

Ali was a character that transcended sport and became a symbol of race, politics and change. His status outside the ring was deserved.

But in the ring Frazier was Ali’s equal, and in some ways outside it, he was his better. Ali constantly belittled and criticised Frazier before their fights, calling him ‘the gorilla’ and ‘Uncle Tom’.

Despite this, Frazier petitioned for Ali’s boxing ban to be revoked and supported his fellow heavyweight financially during that ban.

Frazier might not have been “The Greatest’, but he was a true gentleman and one of the best proponents of the sweet science this earth will ever see. He may not have been flashy or a ‘pretty’ fighter, but was all bravery, substance and pride.

Rest in Peace Smokin’ Joe.