After a brief battle with liver cancer, former world heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier has passed away, according to his family.
Known as Smokin’ Joe, Frazier had been receiving hospice care in Philadelphia following a cancer diagnosis several weeks prior.
At 67 years old, he became the first person to defeat Muhammad Ali in 1971 but lost his subsequent two encounters with him. Frazier held the world title from 1970 until 1973.
In 1964, he won an Olympic gold medal after stepping in as a replacement for Buster Mathis, who had triumphed over him in the trials but was unable to compete in the Games due to injury.
Frazier captured the heavyweight title in 1970 by defeating Jimmy Ellis in New York, after Ali was stripped of the championship in 1967 for his refusal to fight in the Vietnam War.
Three years later, he lost his title to George Foreman.
However, he is perhaps most famously remembered for his three remarkable fights with Ali, including the legendary “Thrilla in Manila” in 1975.
Their relationship was often fraught, featuring taunts that Ali aimed at his rival during the lead-up to their renowned bouts.
Yet in recent years, they were said to have improved their rapport.
“The world has lost a great champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration,” stated Ali, 69.
“My condolences are with his family and loved ones.”
