Former Heavyweight boxing champion Smokin’ Joe Frazier  was born on this day in 1944. Joe Frazier won the Olympic Gold in the Heavyweight boxing division. He then turned pro. He boxed professionally from 1965-76 with one failed comeback fight after that. He became the Heavyweight champion in 1970. His most famous fights were the three fights against the great Muhammad Ali. The first fight in 1971 was one of the most anticipated fights ever the “Fight of the Century” and it lived up to its billing. It was a great fight with Frazier knocking Ali down in the 15th round. Frazier won by an unanimous decision. Frazier was 27 years old and in his prime.

Joe Frazier was 29-0 when he went up against George Foreman. Foreman knocked Frazier down 6 times in two round. Foreman put on a devastating performance. That was just a terrible match up for Frazier. Foreman who was 4 inches taller towered over Frazier.

Ali-Frazier II took place January 1974. This was a non-title fight and of the three Ali-Frazier fights this one was the least memorable. Ali won a 12 round unanimous decision.

The Thrilla In Manila took place October 1st, 1975 Ali-Frazier III. They were not only fighting for the Heavyweight Championship which Ali held but the Championship of Themselves. Whoever won this would have won 2 of the 3 fights between them. This was a war and the greatest boxing match I’ve ever seen-and one of the four greatest sporting events I’ve ever seen. I don’t know how either man made it. After round 14 Eddie Futch- Frazier’s trainer threw in the towel against Frazier’s wishes-even though at that time Frazier’s eyes were both swelled shut.

After the Thrilla In Manila neither Ali or Frazier were the same fighter or the same men. This fight took something out of them that they were never able to get back.

Frazier would hate Ali to his dying days for the comments he made about him, especially in the build up to the Thrilla In Manila where Ali called Frazier the ‘original gorilla” Ali would claim all the comments were just showmanship- trying to get people interested in the fight but Frazier was hurt by it.

Joe Frazier would finish his career with a record of 32-4-1. He only lost to two fighters in his career- George Foreman and Muhammad Ali.

Joe Frazier’s style of fighting led to a lot of memorably great fights. His was of fighting was to go forward at all times. He took a lot of hits for each punch he returned but he was relentless. He didn’t  know the meaning of the word quit. He also had a great left hook. His style of fighting would be a great philosophy for living your life. Go forward at all times, take the punches that come your way and never quit.

Joe Frazier I believe is a terribly underrated fighter. He had the fortune or misfortune to be around the same time as Muhammad Ali. I always wonder if Frazier had won that third fight against Ali, would that have changed the way they were both remembered?

Joe Frazier died November 11th,2011 at the age of 67.