lennykravitz2004 Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 Updated Nov 5, 2011 3:28 AM ETPHILADELPHIA Legendary boxer Smokin’ Joe Frazier is in the final fight of his life. Frazier, who gave the boxing world the “Thrilla in Manila,” and many other classic memories, is deathly ill with advanced liver cancer. "He’s in serious shape, we’re looking for a miracle," a source close to the former heavyweight champ told The New York Post. "They’re only giving him a short time to live. We need to have as many people as possible praying for Joe right now." A fierce and smothering fighter with a devastating left hook, Frazier, 67, is considered one of the great gentlemen of the sport outside of the ring. His captivating bouts with Muhammad Ali put boxing in the spotlight for a new generation of fans as the sport truly became The Main Event. The “Thrilla in Manila,” the third fight of their epic encounters, was one of the greatest fights of them all. Both boxers were near exhaustion when Frazier’s trainer, Eddie Futch, ended the fight in Ali’s favor after 14 punishing rounds. Ali entered the ring thinking he was fighting a washed up Frazier, and insulted Frazier often leading up to the fight, calling him a "gorilla." Deeply hurt by the comments, Frazier came at Ali with a vengeance. At one point Ali, gaining new respect for Frazier, whispered in his ear, "Joe, they told me you was all washed up." His response to Ali was classic, "They told you wrong, pretty boy." Throughout those middle rounds, Frazier continued to come at Ali with vicious body blows. After the fight, Ali, who now suffers from Parkinson’s disease, admitted, "It was the closest I’ve come to death." Frazier retired shortly after that battle and became an ambassador for the sport. He also started a singing career, billed as Joe Frazier and the Knockouts. "Joe is one of the sweetest guys you could ever meet," a friend said. "Sometimes we’d be driving down the highway and see a car broken down and we would have to go out and help somebody. That’s Joe Frazier." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursa Majoris Posted November 5, 2011 Share Posted November 5, 2011 I'm old enough to remember watching those classic fights between Frazier and Ali. I long since lost interest in boxing after they cheapened everything with multiple world "champions" but those guys were the real deal and took the sport to the level of an art. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clubfoothead Posted November 6, 2011 Share Posted November 6, 2011 (edited) I'm old enough to remember watching those classic fights between Frazier and Ali. I long since lost interest in boxing after they cheapened everything with multiple world "champions" but those guys were the real deal and took the sport to the level of an art. I was always partial to Hearns, Hagler and Sugar Ray. My last favorite boxer was Pernell Whitaker. I always liked Joe Frazier. I hope he finds peace. Edited November 6, 2011 by Clubfoothead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursa Majoris Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 Gone. RIP Joe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keggerz Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buddahj Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Puddy Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 RIP Smokin' Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Avernus Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 RIP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tazinib1 Posted November 8, 2011 Share Posted November 8, 2011 RIP Champ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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