Joe Frazier singing the natonial anthem before Spinks vs Ali II

I wonder what was going through Ali's mind.

 

Wow, I didn't know about that, I must have missed that part. Thanks

 

Ali was likely thinking that Frazier was “pitchy”.

No Chair Turn or Golden Buzzer for poor ol’ Smokin’ Joe.

“Next week on Boxers Who Don’t Have Singing Talent….Larry Holmes”

Old Lar’ can’t sing but he has an enthralling backstory that’ll make you tear up.

 

Seriously, good stuff. I don’t recall ever seeing this but perhaps forgot it since.

 

I hadn't previously seen this either. Frazier was clearly proud of the job he did, and why not? That was actually a pretty good rendition of Anthem IMO...definitely better than I was expecting. Was looking forward to him walking over to greet Ali, but I guess Joe was having none of that. Great piece of nostalgia here.

 

Joe was a little more sober than Leon but the night was young.

 

Pretty good rendition although Joe looks like he's straining his gut to reach some of those notes.

 

There are photos of Muhammad and Joe having a laugh and joke together in Muhammad's dressing room on the night of the fight.

 

I watched the fight live. I remember John Travolta and Willie Neslson in the dressing room with him, the former kissing him on the cheek.

 

Well, I wouldn't say that he "became a singer" after his career- Joe always loved to sing. He made an appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show the day before his first match with Ellis and performed "Knock on Wood" with his band, The Knockouts.

Joe Frazier And The Knockouts "Knock On Wood" on The Ed Sullivan Show

 

Mike actually compared them very well - including Larry’s hunched shoulders, hovering over the mic - much less dynamic than Frazier.

I’d have to agree with him, Joe KO’s Larry in the singing dept.

I think Joe was backed by The Knockouts, Larry by Marmalade.

If Jimmy Young had taken to singing, surely The Spoilers would’ve been a choice name for his back ups.

Or, how about, Andrew Golota and the Nut punchers?