Again, worth pointing out that Frazier was in the largest heavyweight fight of the second half of the 20th century, arguably the largest of the entire century. And he won it decisively, humbling a bully. RIP Champ.
We will miss you Joe. You will never be forgotting. Great champ. A Icon of this sport, and needless to say a legend. You were one of the greats, and had one of the best left hooks any one ever saw.
" I'll go in the jungle, and fight a lion with a toothpick. Therefore, if you ain't got something right to say to me, then you better keep your quiet. Cus imma peel off and hit ya. Because there's nothing for me to but just walk straight. Walk right."- Joe Frazier I love this quote. Describes the man perfectly and I can't find a better eulogy. Just reading through these posts one finds one common thread- We weren't ready to lose you, Joe. Thanks for being who you were, in and out of the ring.
Thanks for all the great fights Joe. You'll always be in our hearts and in our memories. RIP Smokin'.
I find it disgusting it isn't even headline news anymore; being overshadowed by the jackson scandal. This man literally defined the word "champ" - far more than just a babysitter, he was a dominant force who brought his all. Even in defeat he never showed anything but I warrior's mentality. Always out on his shield. Let's be thankful he was given the opportunity to seal his legacy and let's be even more thankful he took it. I'm a fan of noone boxing wise but I defy any true boxing fan not to have felt a loss today. Rip champ.
Frazier had a left hook that was so powerful and...perfect... that it completely overshadowed all his other attributes. It overshadowed the underrated jab, the ability he had to make opponent's miss with that nasty bob and weave, the endless reserves of stamina, and a chin that was capable of taking hard shots delivered by hard punchers. That hook of his overshadowed all those attributes.... But it doesn't come close to overshadowing a heart that was as massive as anyone who has ever stepped inside the ring. It's rare that a fighter is able to enhance his legacy as a result of suffering a stoppage loss in the second round. Frazier pulled it off by climbing off the mat six times in Kingston. I can't think of too many other fighters, no matter how tough, who would have been able to keep getting up, let alone throw themselves at a monster like Foreman again. Pretty incredible, if you think about it. RIP to a legend. That hook and heart just won't be forgotten...
You are a Brit, he has got a ton of kudos on the Beeb and SKY, and rightfully so. Everyone of certain age has given him one final nod, whilst those younger have learnt about a proper icon. It is a sad day, but Joe is Smokin' for one final time...
Not ashamed to say I couldn't hold back the tears when I watched this...life is not the greatest left-hooker of them all...here's to you champ [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Hzxe8sdojI[/ame]