Joe Frazier

Joe Frazier was born on 12 January 1944 in Beaufort, South Carolina. Olympic gold medallist (Tokyo, 1964) and undisputed heavyweight world champion - Smokin' Joe was one of the most relentless pressure fighters the sport has ever produced. His left hook was among the most feared weapons in boxing history. He walked forward through everything, absorbing punishment to land his own, wearing opponents down until they broke. Frazier's place in history is forever tied to Muhammad Ali. Their trilogy defined an era. The Fight of the Century (1971) at Madison Square Garden - Frazier won over 15 rounds, handing Ali his first professional defeat. The Thrilla in Manila (1975) is widely considered the greatest heavyweight fight ever fought - both men pushed each other to the absolute limit before Frazier's corner stopped it after the 14th round. He held the undisputed heavyweight title from 1970 to 1973, losing it to George Foreman in a brutal two-round knockout. Frazier passed away on 7 November 2011, leaving behind a legacy of pure heart and warrior spirit.