Joe Frazier

Date of Birth: January 12, 1944

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: November 7, 2011

Biography

Joseph William “Joe” Frazier, also known as “Smokin’ Joe,” was an American professional boxer who competed from 1965 to 1981. Born in Beaufort, South Carolina, Frazier emerged as one of the sport’s greatest heavyweights. He was known for his relentless pressure fighting style, formidable punching power, and iron will. Frazier’s most famous bouts were his trilogy with Muhammad Ali, where he won the first fight, known as the “Fight of the Century,” and lost the subsequent two, including the brutal “Thrilla in Manila.” Besides Ali, he defeated several other top fighters of his era, including Jimmy Ellis, Jerry Quarry, and George Chuvalo. Frazier retired with a professional record of 32 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. Outside the ring, he ran a boxing gym in Philadelphia and remained an iconic figure in the sport until his death in 2011.

5 Interesting Facts about Joe Frazier

1. Joe Frazier won a gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

2. He was the first boxer to defeat Muhammad Ali, in their 1971 “Fight of the Century.”

3. Frazier’s fighting style was characterized by a powerful left hook, which was his signature punch.

4. After retiring from boxing, he opened a boxing gym in Philadelphia, where he trained young fighters.

5. Frazier’s rivalry with Muhammad Ali is considered one of the greatest in the history of boxing.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joe Frazier

1. “Life doesn’t run away from nobody. Life runs at people.”

2. “You can map out a fight plan or a life plan, but when the action starts, it may not go the way you planned, and you’re down to your reflexes—that means your preparation. That’s where the roadwork shows. If you cheated on that in the dark of the morning, you’re getting found out now under the bright lights.”

3. “I’m not a creator, I’m a re-creator. I take old things and make them new.”

4. “Boxing is the toughest and loneliest sport in the world.”

5. “If you want to be the best, you have to do things that other people aren’t willing to do.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Joe Frazier’s net worth was estimated to be around $2.5 million.

Children

Joe Frazier had eleven children. His son Marvis Frazier also became a professional boxer. His daughter Jackie Frazier-Lyde followed in his footsteps to become a professional boxer as well, even fighting and losing to Muhammad Ali’s daughter, Laila Ali, in a highly publicized bout in 2001.

Relevant Links

1. [Joe Frazier Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Frazier

2. [BoxRec Profile](https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/147

3. [International Boxing Hall of Fame](https://www.ibhof.com/pages/about/inductees/modern/frazier.html

4. [Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/athlete/joe-frazier

5. [Legacy and Impact](https://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/08/sports/joseph-frazier-boxing-champion-dies-at-67.html

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