World Heavy Weight Boxing Champ Joe Frazier RIP 1941 - 2011

[MuffyBee]

http://espn.go.com/newyork/story/_/id/7198981/joe-frazier-was-far-more-just-foil-muhammad-ali
Frazier was far more than just Ali foil
November 7, 2011

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http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2010/0411/ny_a_artts_300.jpg
AP PhotoJoe Frazier dropped Muhammad Ali in the 15th in their first fight, in 1971, and although Ali got off the canvas, Frazier won the fight and an undisputed championship.

No matter what Joe Frazier did during his great boxing career, and for decades after it was over, he was always known mostly for one thing: being the B-side to Muhammad Ali, with whom he shared the most famous trilogy in boxing history.

In the past 40 years, not a day went by that "Smokin' Joe" wasn't reminded of, asked about or talked about Ali and their three fights.

But Frazier, who personified the term "Philadelphia fighter" with his big heart, action style and indomitable spirit, was much more than just the other guy in the famed series of heavyweight fights. He was a great fighter in his own right, a former heavyweight champion of the world, a 1964 Olympic gold medalist and a worthy member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Remember, without Frazier, the legend of Ali would not be what it became. He needed Frazier to make his name as much as Frazier needed Ali.

Of course, Frazier, who died on Monday at age 67 after a battle with liver cancer, is best known for those fights with Ali.

Much more...

[MuffyBee]

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57324422/ali-jackson-pay-respects-at-joe-frazier-funeral/
Ali, Jackson pay respects at Joe Frazier funeral
November 14, 2011

(CBS/AP)

PHILADELPHIA - Family and friends of Joe Frazier arrived at a private funeral in Philadelphia to pay their respects to the former heavyweight champion on Monday. Celebrity guests included former champion and opponent Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes, boxing promoter Don King and Reverend Jesse Jackson, with former champion Mike Tyson, Donald Trump and actor Mickey Rourke sending videotaped messages of condolences.

The 67-year-old Frazier died last week after a short battle with liver cancer. A two-day public viewing was held at the Wells Fargo Center at the sports complex in South Philadelphia.
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