1960s–1980sAmericanOrthodoxdeceased
Joe Frazier
“Smokin' Joe”
Record: 32–4–1 (27 KO)Weight class: HeavyweightBorn: 1944-01-12
Titles & honours
- Olympic Gold (1964)
- Undisputed Heavyweight Champion (1970–1973)
Biography
Joseph William Frazier, born Beaufort, South Carolina in 1944, won Olympic heavyweight gold in Tokyo 1964 and held the world title from February 1970 (TKO 5 over Jimmy Ellis) until his January 1973 destruction at the hands of George Foreman. Frazier's left hook is one of the most famous punches in heavyweight history — the punch that floored Muhammad Ali in the 15th round of their March 1971 'Fight of the Century' (Frazier won the unanimous decision). The trilogy with Ali went 1-2 (Ali winning the 1974 rematch and stopping Frazier in 14 rounds in the 'Thrilla in Manila' in October 1975, in conditions so brutal both men were diminished for the rest of their careers). Retired 1976. Died 2011.