He fought on, defeating Joe Bugner, losing a rematch to Ali and defeating Quarry and Ellis again. Frazier’s last world title challenge came in 1975, however he was defeated by Ali in their savage rubbermatch. He retired in 1976 following another loss to Foreman. He made a recovery in 1981, fighting only once, before retiring. The International Boxing Research Organization (IBRO) rates Frazier among the ten best heavyweights ever. In 1999, “The Ring” rated him the 8th best heavyweight. He’s an inductee of the International Boxing Hall of Fame as well as the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
Frazier’s fashion was frequently compared to that of Henry Armstrong and sometimes Rocky Marciano, dependent on bobbing, weaving and persistent pressure to wear down his adversaries. His best known clout was a strong left hook, which accounted for the majority of his knockouts. In his career he lost to just two boxers, both former Olympic and world heavyweight champs: twice to Muhammad Ali, and twice to George Foreman.
After retiring, Frazier made cameo appearances in several Hollywood films, and two episodes of “The Simpsons”. His daughter Jackie Frazier-Lyde additionally boxed professionally. Frazier continued to train fighters in his health club in Philadelphia. His later years found periodical insults and bitter feelings towards Ali, interspersed with short reconciliations.
Frazier was diagnosed with liver cancer in late September 2011 and acknowledged to hospice care. His daughter Jackie Frazier-Lyde can also be a world champion fighter.
November 7, 2011, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Place Of Birth
Beaufort, South Carolina, United States
Height
5 ft 11 in (1.82 m)
Weight
229 lbs (103.9 kg)
Profession
Professional Boxer, Actor
Nationality
American
Spouse
Florence Smith (m. 1963–1985)
Children
Marvis Frazier, Jackie Frazier-Lyde, Joe Frazier Jr.
Parents
Dolly Frazier, Rubin Frazier
Siblings
Tommy Frazier
Nicknames
Joseph Frazier , Joseph William Frazier , Smokin' Joe , Billy Boy , Smokin' Joe Frazier , Joseph William "Joe" Frazier
Movies
Ghost Fever, Champions Forever: The Definitive Edition, Ali the Fighter, Home of Angels, Thriller in Manila
TV Shows
The Simpsons, The Next Great Champ, Secret Talents of the Stars
Star Sign
Capricorn
#
Quote
1
The way I fight, it's not me beatin' the man. I make the man whip himself.
2
[on acquiring his nickname, 'Smokin' Joe' from his trainer] He used to say in the dressing-room, before sending me out to fight, "Go out there, goddammit, and make smoke come from those gloves."
3
Ali always said I would be nothing without him. But what would he have been without me?
4
[on the origin of his famously destructive left hook] When I was a boy, I used to pull a big cross saw with my dad. He'd use his right hand, so I'd have to use my left.
5
[on his major victory over Muhammad Ali in 1971] He said if I whipped him that night he would get on his knees, crawl across the ring and say 'You are the greatest''. But he didn't do that. I think he was trying to get to the hospital.
#
Fact
1
Diagnosed with liver cancer [November 5, 2011].
2
Made two successful title defenses as undisputed World Heavyweight Champion.
3
Undefeated in his first 29 fights.
4
His last fight was a controversial 10 round draw with 'Floyd ¨Jumbo¨Cummingsñ'. Frazier retired after the fight.