sportsjabber.net

Nov 7, 2011 – Joe Frazier, one of the best boxers of his generation, lost his battle with liver cancer Monday evening. He entered hospice care over the weekend and lived to be 67 years old. “Smokin’ Joe” will forever be known as the first man to defeat Muhammad Ali.

Frazier began his boxing career by winning a gold medal for the United States at the 1964 Olympics over Germany’s Hans Huber. He turned professional following the victory and would go on to win the first 24 fights of his pro career before earning the vacant WBC and WBA world titles in a match against Jimmy Ellis in 1970.

On Aug. 3, 1971, Frazier became the first man to defeat Ali in what became known as the “Fight of the Century.” It was Frazier’s 27th victory, and a well-earned one at that, as the fight went all 15 rounds before Smokin’ Joe won via unanimous decision.

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By Scott Schroeder – SBNation