Where would you rank Joe Frazier if?

George Foreman was the WBA's top contender when Frazier signed to fight him. Why he was rated above Ali, I have no idea. (For the same reason the WBA rates some fighters above others today. There's no rhyme or reason to it.)

Lyle wasn't rated above Ali or Foreman in early 1973. Frazier had just identified him as an opponent. Lyle had sparred with Frazier in 1970 before he turned pro. Lyle was on the card when Frazier defended against Stander. Frazier went to Colorado specifically to scout Lyle, and Frazier's attendance was part of the pre-fight promotion for Lyle-Mathis.

Lyle's manager, Bill Daniels, was also the manager of Duane Bobick when Bobick turned pro. Eventually, Frazier bought Bobick's contract from Daniels and Frazier became Bobick's manager.

Maybe Frazier was friends with Daniels? I don't know what the connection was.

I just know Frazier went to Colorado in September 1972, attended the Lyle-Mathis fight and told reporters he was going to fight the winner.

Around that time, the WBA told Frazier he had to fight Foreman or they were going to strip him of the title. So they (Frazier-Foreman) announced in November 1972 they were fighting.

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