Legends of Boxing: Joe Frazier

Boxing was a major hit in the 1960s and 1970s. Identically like the UFC in the 2000s and present day, boxing had a litany of big names. From Muhammad Ali to Sonny Liston to George Foreman, there wasn’t a single boxer that made an impact. However, there’s one boxer who flew under the radar during that period: Joe Frazier.

“Smokin’ Joe” had all the hallmarks of a successful boxer: a mean left hook, agility, and toughness. Frazier (32-4-1) also won an Olympic gold medal at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, adding some international hardware to his collection. Obviously, that went with being the undisputed champion from 1970 to 1973.

But what truly made “Smokin’ Joe” a unique fighter? What impact did he have not only on the boxing world but in pop culture? Let’s explore what Joe Frazier meant to the world and the boxing community.

Joe Frazier’s accomplishments and strengths

Aside from being the undisputed champion, Joe Frazier was also the NYSAC heavyweight champion from 1968 to 1973. The Philadelphia native had a successful amateur background, making him a tough opponent entering the professional scene.

That’s also why Frazier became the first boxer to defeat Muhammad Ali outright. His ability to dodge, weave, and land his left hook in a timely fashion made him a devastating fighter. Furthermore, he could pressure his opponent into making mistakes, adding a mental element to his boxing game.

The International Boxing Research Organization named Frazier one of the top ten heavyweights of all time, and rightfully so. Aside from beating Ali in the “Fight of the Century” in 1971, Philadelphia’s own also had memorable fights against George Foreman.

Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali

Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali is arguably one of the most iconic rivalries in boxing. It features the boisterous, loud Ali vs. the reserved, cerebral Frazier. It was a contrast of styles, both in and out of the ring.

There were numerous insults hurled by “The Greatest” at Frazier. That included Ali claiming that the three-time Fighter of the Year was “the white people’s champion.” The insults resulted in Frazier’s children being targets for bullies at school, requiring police protection.

The two sides reconciled long after both retired, with Ali formally apologizing to Frazier. In fact, “Smokin’ Joe” revealed he no longer had hard feelings for the “Greatest”, with Ali even attending the private funeral services for Frazier in Philadelphia.

But both fighters were great friends before the rivalry. When Ali was laid off for refusing to serve in the U.S. military, Frazier lent him money, keeping him afloat. “Smokin’ Joe” also petitioned for then-U.S. President Richard Nixon to have Ali reinstated.

Muhammad Ali won the overall series, 2-1. However, the rivalry will be remembered as two greats matching wits with contrasting personalities and styles. In turn, boxing benefitted greatly from both legends, growing the sport to astronomical levels.

Joe Frazier’s impact

Joe Frazier spent his retirement training potential boxers in Philadelphia. Here, he owned and managed Joe Frazier’s Gym, where he trained the next generation to take over. The former champion also founded the Smokin’ Joe Frazier Foundation, which focused on helping at-risk, troubled youth.

Frazier also had a musical knack, producing songs such as “You Got the Love.” But “Smokin’ Joe” also had a hand in popular culture, appearing in The Simpsons as himself. He was also the inspiration for “Mr. Sandman” in Nintendo’s Punch-Out series. In fact, Mr. Sandman is billed from Philadelphia, similar to Frazier.