Smokin Joe Frazier

[TheDaliLama]

Joe Frazier aka "The Truth"

1944 - 2011


"That punch came from Down Home."

[CuteOldGuy]

RIP. What a class act. I still think Ali in his prime was the best ever, but Frazier is way up there among the greats.

[Guest040616]

Frazier and Ali. Two of the all time greats!

RIP Smokin' Joe!

[Quail]

Originally Posted by CuteOldGuy

RIP. What a class act. I still think Ali in his prime was the best ever, but Frazier is way up there among the greats.

I agree with your post. Back in the 1960's and 1970's, I would attend "closed circuit " broadcasts of heavyweight fights at various locations such as theaters, armories, civic centers, and large restaurant/ banquet halls ( dinner and the fight for $25 )

I remember all three Ali-Frazier fights . The Madison Square Garden fight where Frazier knocked down and beat Ali will always stand out for me. I was in college and I was one of a very few people rooting for Frazier. EVERYONE wanted to bet me, but I was not that sure ( and not that wealthy ). IF I had taken all those bets, I could have greatly helped pay my tuition.

Joe Frazier was in my area this past summer at Saratoga Race Course, about half hour north of Albany NY. They honored him with a special race in his name.

[Jackie S]

I remember when Joe Frazier first come on the big scene, he was actually owned by an investor group called "Cloverlay", they had put up the investment money for all of his training facilities, personel, etc. His Robe had a green shamrock on the back.

The three fights between him and Ali brought out the best in both men. I was never a big Ali fan untill then, both he and Frazier showed a certain courage against each other that could not help but inspire.

RIP Smokin Joe.

[CuteOldGuy]

I remember whenever there was an Ali fight my friends and I would walk about a mile to a hill by the elementary school where we could get radio reception. We'd get to the top of the hill and turn on our little AM transistor radio and listen to the fight. Ah, the good old days!

[Fast Gunn]

Rest in peace, Smoking Joe.

. . . But be careful with that wicked left hook!

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/boxin...cer/51118056/1

[Whirlaway]

Frazier vs. Ali Rounds 1 to 3 of the first fight.....enjoy..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyezmRI-7cE

[Fast Gunn]

Thanks for posting that link, Whirl.

You can feel the excitement in the air even now!

. . . Both men were both giants in the ring!

[TheDaliLama]

There were many great fighters back then.

Ernie Shavers
Ron Lile
Ken Norton
George Forman
Larry Holmes
Mike Dokes
Jimmy Young
Mike Weaver
They all could take your head off.

Mike Tyson couldn't carry Joe Fraziers jock strap.

[Whirlaway]

and here is one of the more memorable Cosell's calls ever.............

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZEIMQ42-oU

[Jackie S]

"Joe fraayysha"

[Fast Gunn]

What about handsome Leon Spinks missing in your list?



Seems like he gave Ali a run for his money even with a gargoyle face that never saw a dentist's office!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb5VHzX_qoA

Originally Posted by TheDaliLama

There were many great fighters back then.

Ernie Shavers
Ron Lile
Ken Norton
George Forman
Larry Holmes
Mike Dokes
Jimmy Young
Mike Weaver
They all could take your head off.

Mike Tyson couldn't carry Joe Fraziers jock strap.

[randal69]

I just wish i had grown up during that period in boxing history.Now look at where the sport is now, we got Mayweather ducking Pacquiao at all costs,heavyweight division has been a joke.RIP the golden days of boxing and Goodbye Mr.Frazier your accomplishments and contributions to the sport will not be forgotten.

[Guest040616]

Originally Posted by TheDaliLama

There were many great fighters back then.

Ernie Shavers
Ron Lile
Ken Norton
George Forman
Larry Holmes
Mike Dokes
Jimmy Young
Mike Weaver
They all could take your head off.

Mike Tyson couldn't carry Joe Fraziers jock strap.

Can't believe Lama failed to mention Roy Harris from Cut n' Shoot!