Joseph William Frazier, universally known as Joe Frazier and remembered by the American public as *“Smokin’ Joe,”* was an American professional boxer and former world heavyweight champion. Born in Beaufort, South Carolina, as the twelfth child of a sharecropping family, Frazier grew up in poverty under the guidance of his father Durham Frazier. Standing 182 cm tall and competing at around 104 kilograms, he became one of the most relentless pressure fighters in boxing history, feared especially for his devastating left hook.

Frazier’s boxing career was supported early on by a group of businessmen who enabled him to train and compete at the highest level. His amateur success earned him a place on the United States Olympic boxing team. At the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, Joe Frazier won the heavyweight gold medal for the United States, boxing through injury and establishing himself as one of the nation’s top prospects.

Following his Olympic triumph, Frazier turned professional on August 16, 1965. After signing with trainer Yank Durham — who also worked with Muhammad Ali — Frazier made his professional debut in Philadelphia against Woody Goss, winning by first-round technical knockout. He went on to win his first 11 professional fights by knockout, quickly gaining a reputation for his ferocious inside fighting style.

Joe Frazier’s technique was defined by constant forward pressure, low defensive movement, and powerful body motion that allowed him to slip punches and close distance. His trademark left hook became one of the most feared punches in boxing history, earning him the nickname “Smokin’ Joe.”

On February 16, 1970, Frazier defeated Jimmy Ellis to capture the world heavyweight championship. His most historic moment came on March 8, 1971, at Madison Square Garden in New York, when he faced an undefeated Muhammad Ali in what was billed as the “Fight of the Century.” Frazier won the bout, breaking Ali’s jaw and handing him the first professional loss of his career while successfully defending his heavyweight title.

The rivalry between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali became one of the greatest in sports history. Ali later defeated Frazier in their rematch in 1974, and again on October 1, 1975, in Manila, Philippines, in the legendary bout known as *“Thrilla in Manila.”* That third fight is widely regarded as one of the most brutal and important boxing matches of all time.

On January 22, 1973, Frazier faced George Foreman in Kingston, Jamaica. Foreman knocked Frazier down six times in two rounds, and the referee stopped the fight, stripping Frazier of his world heavyweight title. Foreman became the new champion. Frazier later lost again to Foreman on June 15, 1976.

Joe Frazier retired after his final bout against Floyd Cummings on December 3, 1981, which ended in a draw. Over the course of his professional career, he fought 37 times, recording 32 victories (27 by knockout), four losses, and one draw. Notably, he was defeated only by Muhammad Ali (twice) and George Foreman (twice).

After retiring from active competition, Frazier remained involved in boxing as a trainer and gym owner in Philadelphia, where he operated a boxing gym for many years before selling it in 2009.

Joe Frazier married Florence Smith in 1963; the couple divorced in 1985. He had five children. On November 7, 2011, Joe Frazier passed away in Philadelphia at the age of 67 due to liver cancer.

Joe Frazier’s legacy is inseparable from his epic rivalry with Muhammad Ali. Their three fights are universally regarded as among the greatest boxing matches of all time, cementing Smokin’ Joe’s place in boxing immortality.

Filmography
Actor
2009 – Facing Ali (Himself) (Feature Film)
2002 – Jim Brown: All American (Himself) (TV Film)
1996 – When We Were Kings (Himself – Archive Footage) (Feature Film)
1976 – Rocky (Feature Film)

Source: Biyografiler.com