Joe Frazier

Joseph William Frazier (January 12, 1944 – November 7, 2011) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1965 to 1981. Nicknamed "Smokin'", he was known for his strength, durability, formidable left hand, and relentless pressure fighting style. He won a gold medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics as an amateur, held the NYSAC heavyweight title from 1968 to 1973, and was the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1970 to 1973. In 1971, Frazier became the first boxer to defeat Muhammad Ali.

Frazier emerged as the top contender in the late 1960s, becoming undisputed heavyweight champion in 1970. In 1971, he defeated Ali by unanimous decision in the highly anticipated Fight of the Century. Two years later, Frazier lost his title to George Foreman. Frazier's last world-title challenge came in 1975, when he was beaten by Ali in a brutal rubber match, the Thrilla in Manila. He retired in 1976 after a second loss to Foreman but made a one-match comeback in 1981, before retiring for good with a record of 32 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. The International Boxing Research Organization rates Frazier among the ten greatest heavyweights of all time.