Last night, the boxing world lost one of its biggest heroes, “Smokin’ Joe Frazier”, who lost his battle to liver cancer at the age of 67. Frazier was diagnosed less than six weeks ago and spent his final days in a Philadelphia-area hospice.
His family released the following statement:
“We The Family of the 1964 Olympic Boxing Heavyweight Gold Medalist, Former Heavyweight Boxing Champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame Member Smokin’ Joe Frazier, regrets to inform you of his passing. He transitioned from this life as “One of God’s Men,” on the eve of November 7, 2011at his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We thank you for your prayers for our Father and vast outpouring of love and support.
Respectfully, we request time to grieve privately as a family. Our father’s home going celebration will be announced as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.”
Associates report that, in his last days, Frazier lost as much as fifty pounds.
Frazier left a brilliant legacy, as he was one of the most popular figures in the boxing world. He was one half of the competition in the Thriller in Manilla, who sparred with another boxing great, Muhammad Ali.
