Smokin' Joe

Joe Frazier died today,aged 67,liver cancer.Superb boxer,the three fights he had with Ali in the 1970's were just superlative in terms of gladiatorial combat.I'm a dyed in the wool Ali fan but could always step back and acknowledge Joe's greatness-he was probably unlucky [in terms of longevity of holding his world title] to be born in an era when boxing had so many greats-Ali,Foreman,Norton,Quarry etc.From what i've seen,any of those would have beaten the Klitscho's or any of todays heavyweights,it was a golden era for the sport and may never be repeated.I may even watch the Thrilla in Manila,one of Joe's finest hours in spite of losing,as a tribute.RIP Joe and deepest sympathy to his family.

Greenskin wrote:

Joe Frazier died today,aged 67,liver cancer.Superb boxer,the three fights he had with Ali in the 1970's were just superlative in terms of gladiatorial combat.I'm a dyed in the wool Ali fan but could always step back and acknowledge Joe's greatness-he was probably unlucky [in terms of longevity of holding his world title] to be born in an era when boxing had so many greats-Ali,Foreman,Norton,Quarry etc.From what i've seen,any of those would have beaten the Klitscho's or any of todays heavyweights,it was a golden era for the sport and may never be repeated.I may even watch the Thrilla in Manila,one of Joe's finest hours in spite of losing,as a tribute.RIP Joe and deepest sympathy to his family.

Indeed. Joe was one of the all time greats. Could never imagine where he got his energy from. He just kept coming.
RIP a true gladiator.