Joe Frazier Dead at 67 - A Look back

Joseph William "Joe" Frazier, (January 12, 1944 - November 7, 2011)

UPDATE: 11/8/11 1:13est Muhammad Ali issued this statement on the death of Joe Frazier: "The world has lost a great Champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration and admiration. My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones."

UPDATE: 11/7/11:11:30pm est Floyd Mayweather @FloydMayweather Tweeted this: My Condolences go out to the family of the late great Joe Frazier. #TheMoneyTeam will pay for his Funeral services.

Former Heavyweight Boxing Champion Joe Frazier Dies At Age 67. After a battle with liver cancer 'Smokin' Joe surcumbed on Monday night November 7, 2011.
Frazier was diagnosed with liver cancer in late September. His condition never appeared to improve and he was moved to hospice care earlier this month. Frazier is best known for his fights with Muhammad Ali and George Foreman which defined a generation. 


Late Monday night, the family issued this statement:
"We The Family of the 1964 Olympic Boxing Heavyweight Gold Medalist, Former Heavyweight Boxing Champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame Member Smokin' Joe Frazier, regrets to inform you of his passing. He transitioned from this life as "One of God's Men," on the eve of November 7, 2011at his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We thank you for your prayers for our Father and vast outpouring of love and support.

Wins Gold Medal

Respectfully, we request time to grieve privately as a family. Our father's home going celebration will be announced as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding." 

 After winning the USA's only 1964 Olympic boxing gold medal. Frazier turned professiona

Knocks Down Ali

l in 1965, defeating Woody Goss by a technical knockout in the first round. He won three more fights that year, all by knockout, none going past the third round.

His Professional boxing record was 32-4-1 beating legendary Mohammad Ali in August 1971 in NYC Madison square garden. He won the vacated heavyweight title in February 1970 and defended it four times ultimately losing his crown to George Foreman in  National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica in January 1973.

"The Thrilla in Manila"

He would fight seven more times after that, including twice more with Mohamad Ali. Once in NYC  and the other, "The Thrilla in Manila" in 1975 losing each time.


His last fight was March 12, 1981 a draw with Floyd Cummings in Chicago, Illinois.

A great warrior in the ring. RIP 'Smokin' Joe!.