Smokin Joe Frazier Dies at age 67 following Battle with Liver Cancer

Boxing legend Smokin’ Joe passes away at the age of 67 … farewell to a real boxing champion and a warrior of days gone by … Rest in Peace Champ.

Sadly, one of the giants of boxing has died … Smoking Joe Frazier has passed away at the age of 67 after his battle with liver cancer. The world had learned over the weekend that Frazier was in failing health and had entered hospice care.  The former heavy weight boxing champion passed away at a Philadelphia area hospice according to his family. Joe Frazier was a part of the golden age of heavy weight boxing with epic battles against Muhammad Ali.

Known for his famous “Thrilla in Manila” fight in 1975 against Muhammad Ali, whom he fought three times, “Smokin’ Joe” Frazier is an inductee of both the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame.

In all, Frazier – at 5’11½ and 205 lbs., considered small for a heavywieght – won 32 fights: 27 by knockouts, losing four times (twice to Ali and also to George Foreman). Another fight ended in a draw.

More from the NY Times:

Known as Smokin’ Joe, Frazier stalked his opponents around the ring with a crouching, relentless attack — his head low and bobbing, his broad, powerful shoulders hunched — as he bore down on them with an onslaught of withering jabs and crushing body blows, setting them up for his devastating left hook.

It was an overpowering modus operandi that led to versions of the heavyweight crown from 1968 to 1973. Frazier won 32 fights in all, 27 by knockouts, losing four times — twice to Ali in furious bouts and twice to George Foreman. He also recorded one draw.

Frazier will always be known and compared to Ali for their epic three boxing battles and their contrasting styles and war of words. However, Ali always had respect for Smokin’ Joe. Ali’s comment regarding the passing of Joe Frazier, “I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration.” My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones.”