One of the greatest names in boxing’s history sadly passed away. However, we can be glad that the video archives have captured all his best work. So here are Smokin’ Joe Frazier’s Top Five fights.
By Oisin Collins
1971 Madison Square Garden, New York, USA – Joe Frazier v Muhammad Ali.
This fight was named the ‘Fight of the Century’ and for good reason as it proved to be one of the most memorable in boxing history. Frazier once again proved that he has a mean left hook. Sadly for Ali, he found out the hard way.
1975 Araneta Coliseum, Metro Manila, Philippines – Joe Frazier v Muhammad Ali.
This fight, ‘Thrilla in Manila’, was the third and final bout between the pair. It would mark the end of a bitter rivalry and an even more bitter dispute over who was the true Heavyweight Champion of the World.
1970 Madison Square Garden, New York, USA – Joe Frazier v Jimmy Ellis.
Frazier fought Jimmy Ellis for the WBA and WBC titles and again he demonstrated why he was called ‘Smokin Joe’ as Ellis’ trainer effectively threw in the towel after Frazier floored him with a signature left hook.
1969 Cherry Hill Arena, New Jersey, USA – Joe Frazier v Jerry Quarry
Frazier allowed the young Jerry Quarry a shot at his New York State title and Quarry, all too eager to continue a winning streak, accepted. The fight ended in the seventh-round by technical knockout with Frazier named as the winner. The fight was named Ring Magazine’s Fight of The Year.
1973 National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica – Joe Frazier v George Foreman
The ‘Sunshine Showdown’, as the fight was dubbed, is one of the most memorable fights in boxing history. Foreman dominated most of the fight and eventually won it by technical knockout causing one of boxing’s biggest upsets.
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