How was Joe Frazier looked at during these times..

Going into FOTC he was looked upon as the best heavyweight around. He was favourite odds wise. Afterwards he underlined his claim to be the best heavy in the world. The only guy given a chance of beating him was Ali in a rematch. Because of the devastating way that Foreman beat him,he looked finished after that fight. He obviously had some stuff left,as he put up good fights against Ali in their second and third ones. After Manila,he was totally shot. Those fights took a lot out of Ali,but they took even more out of Frazier.

 

In the Thrilla in Manilla documentary the Ali camp had taken the third fight thinking Frazier was washed up, just a shell of himself. They didn't know they were in for a war. I believe Joe would rise to the occasion anytime he was matched with Ali.

 

Frazier was looking like a strong champ after his win over Ellis, a dominating one and wins over Quarry,Chuvalo and Bonavena but he was still not a household name until Ali

After FOTC, Frazier became a household name was a millionaire and was partying heavy singing with his group Joe Frazier the Knock-Outs..Lots of broads and less than spartan life...IMO he was never the same

After Foreman, most felt he was shot as a top fighter but he still had a lions heart

 

He was viewed accordingly with his performances. With a fighter of Frazier's caliber, it doesn't even seem logical to view him as anything less than truly exceptional, even during his era without the benefit of hindsight. He was a special champion and a special fighter.