AI overview
Joe Frazier was an American boxer who lived from 1944 to 2011 and became one of the sport's most notable figures during his career. He matters because he was a significant competitor in professional boxing history, though specific details about his achievements and legacy would require additional context.
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Person · Open Library
- Born
- 1944
- Died
- 2011-11-07
- Works
- 2
Top works
- Life on the Run
- Smokin' Joe
- Box like the pros
via Open Library + Wikidata
Film & TV
Acting · Beaufort, South Carolina
Joseph William "Joe" Frazier, known as "Smokin" Joe, is a former Olympic and World Heavyweight boxing champion, whose professional career lasted from 1965 to 1976, with a brief comeback in 1981. Frazier emerged as a contender in the mid-1960s, defeating Jerry Quarry, Oscar Bonavena, Buster Mathis, Eddie Machen, Doug Jones and Jimmy Ellis en route to becoming undisputed heavyweight champion in…
Known for
- Thrilla in Manila — Self2019
- Joe Frazier: When the Smoke Clears2012
- Facing Ali — Self2009
- Thrilla in Manila — Himself2008
- Secret Talents of the Stars2008
- The Next Great Champ2004
Article
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.
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1944 births2011 deaths20th-century African-American sportsmen20th-century American sportsmen21st-century African-American sportsmen21st-century American sportsmenAfrican-American boxersAmerican blind peopleAmerican male boxersAmerican soul singersBoxers at the 1964 Summer OlympicsBoxers from Philadelphia