Smokin Joe Frazier '1978'

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Senor Pepe', Apr 10, 2012.


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  1. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    July 25, 1978

    'Smokin Joe Set To Return, If Frenchman Agrees'

    Smokin Joe Frazier is set to return to the ring, but not here in
    the United States. The former Champion has been offered $400,000
    to travel to France, to take on French Heavyweight Champion and former
    European Heavyweight Champion Lucien Rodriguez.

    Frazier, has agreed to a 10-Round bout for Saturday, September 9th, with the fight
    to be held in Paris. Joe said he would be going down to Longview, Texas
    to particpate in a boxing exhibition first, before getting into training camp.

    Lucien Rodriguez, a 26 year-old boxer-puncher, has a record of 18-5-0 with
    10 Knock-outs. The Frenchman lost the European Championship in September 1977
    when he was knocked-out by Alfredo Evangilista in the 11th Round.

    The 5' 11 1/2" Smokin Joe said, that he plans to come into the bout at 210 lbs.
    Rodriguez who stands at 6' 1", usually fights at the 205 lb. level.
     
    Senor Pepe', Apr 11, 2012
    Senor Pepe', Apr 11, 2012
    #16
  2. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    Okay, so maybe I got carried away when I said " anyone with any rating." But picking Leon Spinks out of the pack is pretty weak. Coetzee demolished Spinks in a single round and both Lopez and Ledoux fought him to a draw. Sure Frazier might have lifted the crown from Spinks given the opportunity.. But if he had to fight anyone important to get that shot first, it likely would have been a short comeback.
     
    mr. magoo, Apr 11, 2012
    mr. magoo, Apr 11, 2012
    #17
  3. Senor Pepe'

    Senor Pepe' Boxing Junkie banned

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    Magoo Man,,,,,,

    I think if 'Smokin Joe' selected the right opponents, he could have worked himself
    back into a World Championship bout.

    Line them up for late-1978 and early-1979;
    Ossie Ocassio, Alfredo Evangilista, Lucien Rodriguez, Bill Sharkey or Lynn Ball.
     
    Senor Pepe', Apr 11, 2012
    Senor Pepe', Apr 11, 2012
    #18
  4. RulesMakeItInteresting

    RulesMakeItInteresting Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Holmes would have been too fast, and his right uppercut too powerful, for Joe post-TiM. Pre-1972 Frazier would have definitely held his own with Larry imo.
     
    RulesMakeItInteresting, Apr 9, 2019
    RulesMakeItInteresting, Apr 9, 2019
    #19
  5. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    Besides being shot physically. Like I stated in a previous thread Joe's style doesn't make for a long career..
    For all we know Joe's one so called good eye may have also been failing him by now. Hell of a thing for a guy fighting off the front foot that's already way burnt out and physically past it.
     
    robert ungurean, Apr 9, 2019
    robert ungurean, Apr 9, 2019
    #20
    RulesMakeItInteresting and JC40 like this.
  6. RulesMakeItInteresting

    RulesMakeItInteresting Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I'm thinking of Norton and Holmes. I don't think Joe could have beat Larry at the time, but a Holmes fight actually might have been interesting, even at that juncture.

    It's trickier thinking Frazier vs. Norton. I'm not sure Kenny would have held up against that hook for more than five or six rounds, even at this date. Joe was too relentless with it, though Norton was a great athlete with exceptional stamina.
     
    RulesMakeItInteresting, Apr 11, 2019
    RulesMakeItInteresting, Apr 11, 2019
    #21
    The Morlocks likes this.
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