Boxing legend Joe Frazier dies
Muhammad Ali has lead the tributes to Frazier
Also In The News
|
The flame will come within ten miles of 95 per cent of the UK's population. |  |
Tuesday, 08, Nov 2011 11:05
By Neal Wallace
Former world heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier has died after a short battle with cancer.
The 67-year-old, who was the first man to beat Muhammad Ali in 1971, had been receiving treatment at a clinic in Philadelphia but was unable to overcome his illness.
Also known as Smokin' Joe, Frazier held the world title between 1970 and 1973 having won the 1964 Olympic gold medal.
He is perhaps best remembered for three epic battles with Ali, including 1975's 'Thrilla in Manilla', which he lost in 14 rounds. Ali commented that "the world has lost a great champion", offering his sympathy to Frazier's family.
Ali and Frazier had an often fraught relationship, which went back to the former's taunts at his rival before bouts. However, news reports suggested that they had been on better terms in later years.
Boxing great Sir Henry Cooper also passed away earlier this year, with Ali again leading the tribute.