How might Joe Frazier have left a stronger boxing legacy?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by JWSoats, Mar 7, 2013.

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  1. JWSoats

    JWSoats Active Member Full Member

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    As a followup to the thread on "How much did Joe Frazier fade from FOTC to the Foreman fight" -

    Following the FOTC, Joe Frazier stood alone as undisputed heavyweight champion, undefeated, having just won the most anticipated fight in history. He was already being considered an all-time great. Yet today, except for the most dedicated boxing fans such as here on East Side Boxing, he is largely sadly overlooked by the general population, remembered mainly for his "Down goes Frazier" loss of the title to George Foreman and the Thrilla in Manila, two fights which he lost.

    Looking back - what, if anything, might Joe Frazier have done differently to secure a stronger legacy? Personally, I agree with Yank Durham, who wanted him to retire after the FOTC.
     
    JWSoats, Mar 7, 2013
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  2. MagnaNasakki

    MagnaNasakki Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Not defended his title against two of the worst challengers in history. Won the other big fights of his career.

    FOTC was his lone huge triumph. He was in several other key showdowns that he was defeated in. Obviously, beating Foreman or Ali does tremendous things for his legacy.
     
    MagnaNasakki, Mar 7, 2013
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  3. greynotsoold

    greynotsoold Boxing Addict

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    Frazier pretty much maxed out his ability; he was a real tough guy, tons of heart and a great work ethic. A great fighter? No.
     
    greynotsoold, Mar 7, 2013
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  4. lufcrazy

    lufcrazy requiescat in pace

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    Fighting the punchers. Lyle, Shavers, Foster and a fight with Norton.

    He always gets mauled by foreman though.
     
    lufcrazy, Mar 7, 2013
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  5. PowerPuncher

    PowerPuncher Loyal Member Full Member

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    Other than beat Ali in the rubber and Foreman? Maybe took on Shavers, Norton and Lyle all pretty winnable and how about a past prime Liston and Patterson?
     
    PowerPuncher, Mar 7, 2013
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  6. janitor

    janitor VIP Member

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    Don't fight Foreman.

    Find some justification for fighting anybody but.
     
    janitor, Mar 7, 2013
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  7. anj

    anj Guest

    Frazier was obviously scarred for life after Foreman. Shavers would have been a HELLL NO.
     
    anj, Mar 7, 2013
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  8. IntentionalButt

    IntentionalButt FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA Full Member

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    Said "Eddie, STFU. Just wait a damn minute, just one minute..."
     
    IntentionalButt, Mar 7, 2013
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  9. red cobra

    red cobra Loyal Member Full Member

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    If he had retired right after the FOTC, he'd now be an almost mythological figure of sports. oh, what rare, Tunneyesque will and determination that would have taken, to just walk away from it all.
     
    red cobra, Mar 7, 2013
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  10. red cobra

    red cobra Loyal Member Full Member

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    red cobra, Mar 7, 2013
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  11. red cobra

    red cobra Loyal Member Full Member

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    Really, just try to list the greats that just walked away at the top....Marciano, Tunney, Monzon...not many.
     
    red cobra, Mar 7, 2013
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  12. greynotsoold

    greynotsoold Boxing Addict

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    greynotsoold, Mar 7, 2013
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  13. SJS19

    SJS19 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Frazier's people kept him away from Liston did they not?
     
    SJS19, Mar 7, 2013
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  14. red cobra

    red cobra Loyal Member Full Member

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    red cobra, Mar 7, 2013
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  15. BoxingFanPhil

    BoxingFanPhil Member Full Member

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    He knocked Foster the **** out.

    This is simple - if he'd retired after he beat Ali he would have been seen on a totally different level.
     
    BoxingFanPhil, Mar 7, 2013
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