FORCE OF WILL ..."I saw Smokin Joe Frazier in the ring Saturday night. He was in the throes of battle, loving every moment as his whistling hooks broke another man. He went down; he got up, and absorbed a terrible beating that declared the force of his will" Read on for my take on Frazier's passing: http://thesweetscience.com/news/articles/13572-force-of-willtoledo (I don't have to tell you fellas that your feedback is welcome. Critiques are as appreciated as your reading it.)
An nice tribute, ST. That final paragraph creates a bit of a lump in the throat: no one will ever forget what you did here today. We never did. We never will. Joe Frazier died last night in Philadelphia. He was diagnosed with liver cancer in late September and spent his last days at home surrounded by family. No merciful referee or wise trainer interfered while he battled on his own terms, and something tells me that he wouldnt have it any other way. Joe Fraziers spirit will never die.
I wonder whether there is a casket big enough to hold his heart .... Farewell, Smoking Joe; I suppose Louis, Rocky and all the gang up there were bored and asking for a true challenge :good
God Bless Joe Frazier. I dont think there will never be another fighter more worthy of being called a champion.
In my 6000th post as Duo, I am honored to commemorate it to Smoke. I've long since said my piece about Joe, somebody I consider a top five ATG HW. Upon the passing of William Howard Taft, Will Rogers commented that, "It's great to be great. It's greater still, to be human." What is shown from 1:25 to 1:45 of this clip has made me shed tears today (like I did originally viewing the live broadcast 27 years ago), just as Marvis shed tears discussing it in an extended moment from his interview, when he goes on to say, "My father's a good MAN!" That unconditional love and smiling acceptance came from the same heart which made Smoke a legend. This is what any MAN who would be a real Dad should represent. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIwgfXwOQ3k[/ame] Having just also lost a 35 year old friend to bone cancer, this has been a rather emotional week for me. Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sun on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain, When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die. Mary Elizabeth Fry - - 1932. Joe, the next cold one I drink will be a Miller Lite in your honor! :cheers You won at life. Enjoy those reunions and rematches with JQ, Ringo, Buster, Pulgarcito and Machen. You'll have Yank and Eddie in your corner again.:bbb You can catch up on lost time with your father Rubin, taken away from you by lung cancer at 53. Godspeed.
This is the only celebrity death I've ever felt emotional about. I can say that Joe Frazier is truly an inspiration to me and will continue to be. RIP Smokin' Joe Frazier.
May one of the greatest champions and people of all-time rest in peace. A true all-time great if there ever was one. Boxing loses yet another great one.
Really sad,one of my all time favourites.Watched Ali-Frazier1 again last night and really it was mind boggling,it gets better the more I see it.Joe's intensity that night when he was probably at his absolute peak was frightening,I don't think many would have lived with him that night. A true great R.I.P.