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Joe Frazier

Professional boxer known as 'Smokin' Joe'

Joe Frazier, known as 'Smokin' Joe', was a legendary American boxer who held the undisputed heavyweight champion title from 1970 to 1973. He defeated Muhammad Ali in 1971 but lost to George Foreman in 1973. Frazier was known for his powerful left hook and relentless fighting style. He is considered one of the greatest heavyweights in boxing history.

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Timeline

Birth of Joseph 'Smokin' Joe' Frazier

Joseph 'Smokin' Joe' Frazier, born on January 12, 1944, was a legendary heavyweight boxer known for his left hook and his rivalry with Muhammad Ali. He achieved great success in the boxing world, including winning an Olympic Gold Medal and becoming the undisputed World Heavyweight Champion.

Frazier leaves Beaufort for Philadelphia

In 1958, Joe Frazier left Beaufort, South Carolina for Philadelphia after a confrontation with a white man on a farm led him to realize it was time to leave. He took a Greyhound bus to New York to stay with his brother before settling in Philadelphia.

Frazier starts his boxing career

In 1959, at the age of 15, Joe Frazier began his boxing career in Philadelphia. This marked the start of his journey in the sport that would lead him to become a legendary heavyweight champion.

Joe Frazier's Performance at the 1964 Summer Olympics

After replacing the injured Buster Mathis, Joe Frazier represented the U.S. at the 1964 Summer Olympics. Frazier showcased his boxing prowess by knocking out opponents like George Oywello and Athol McQueen, eventually reaching the semi-final stage.

Joe Frazier Becomes Heavyweight Champion

On November 17, 1965, Joe Frazier became the Heavyweight Champion.

Frazier defeats Oscar Bonavena despite being knocked down

In September 1966, Joe Frazier faced Oscar Bonavena and despite being knocked down twice in the second round, Frazier managed to secure a close decision victory after 10 rounds. This win showcased Frazier's resilience and determination in the ring.

Joe Frazier's First Appearance on the Cover of Ring Magazine

In February 1967, Joe Frazier's star began to rise as he scored 14 wins, leading to his first appearance on the cover of Ring Magazine.

Joe Frazier wins heavyweight title by defeating Buster Mathis

In a title bout sanctioned by the New York State Athletic Commission, Joe Frazier knocked out Buster Mathis in 11 rounds to claim the heavyweight title. This victory solidified Frazier's position in the boxing world.

Joe Frazier unifies belts by defeating Jimmy Ellis

In 1969, Joe Frazier unified the belts by securing another TKO victory over Jimmy Ellis, the then WBA champion.

Joe Frazier becomes World Heavyweight Boxing Champion

Joe Frazier became the world heavyweight boxing champion by knocking out Jimmy Ellis in five rounds in New York City.

Fight of the Century: Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali

On March 8, 1971, Joe Frazier faced Muhammad Ali in the 'Fight of the Century' at Madison Square Garden. Frazier famously knocked Ali down with a left hook and won by unanimous decision, defending his title.

Fight of the Century: Frazier vs. Ali I

On March 8, 1971, at Madison Square Garden, Frazier and Ali met in the first of their three bouts which was called the 'Fight of the Century'. Frazier won a 15-round unanimous decision, claiming the lineal title.

Joe Frazier's Perfect Record and Champion Belt Loss

On January 22, 1973, Joe Frazier suffered his first defeat and lost his champion belt in the legendary fight against Muhammad Ali. This event marked a significant moment in boxing history.

Eddie Futch becomes Frazier's head trainer and manager

After the passing of Frazier's manager, Yank Durham, in August 1973, Eddie Futch was appointed as Frazier's head trainer and manager. Futch had to choose between training Frazier or Ken Norton, ultimately opting to work with Frazier.

Frazier's Second Fight Against Ali

Frazier and Ali had their second fight on January 28, 1974, in New York City. This time it was a non-title fight, with Ali emerging victorious in a 12-round unanimous decision.

Thrilla in Manila: Joe Frazier vs Muhammad Ali III

In the epic 'Thrilla in Manila' fight for the heavyweight championship, Muhammad Ali defeated Joe Frazier by technical knockout after 14 intense rounds. This bout is considered one of the greatest in boxing history.

Frazier loses rematch to Foreman

Nine months after 'Thrilla in Manila,' Frazier had a rematch against Foreman but was stopped in five rounds.

Music Career of Joe Frazier

On May 17, 1977, Joe Frazier ventured into the music industry by forming a Soul-Funk group named 'Joe Frazier and the Knockouts', which gained recognition in Billboard and released several singles.

Frazier's comeback attempt

In 1981, Joe Frazier attempted a comeback in boxing, drawing over 10 rounds with Floyd 'Jumbo' Cummings in Chicago. The fight received mixed reviews, and Frazier retired for good after that.

Special referee at Starrcade '84

In 1984, Joe Frazier served as the special referee for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship match between Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes at Starrcade '84. He awarded the match to Flair due to Rhodes's excessive bleeding.

Cornerman for Mr. T at WrestleMania 2

In 1986, Joe Frazier appeared as the 'cornerman' for Mr. T in his match against Roddy Piper at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum as part of WrestleMania 2.

Joined tribute special Champions Forever

In 1989, Joe Frazier joined Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Ken Norton, and Larry Holmes for the tribute special 'Champions Forever'.

Joe Frazier Inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame

In 1990, Joe Frazier was honored with induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. This recognition celebrated his contributions to the sport of boxing.

Joe Frazier appears in The Simpsons episode

In 1992, Joe Frazier appeared as himself in an episode of The Simpsons, where he was initially supposed to be beaten up by a character but instead ended up beating up the character and putting him in a trash can.

Joe Frazier appears on The Howard Stern Show

On January 23, 1996, Joe Frazier made a memorable appearance on The Howard Stern Show while promoting his autobiography, showcasing his personality beyond the boxing ring.

Jacqui Frazier begins professional boxing career

Jacqui Frazier, daughter of Joe Frazier, started her professional boxing career in 2000, following in her father's footsteps in the sport.

Portrayal of Joe Frazier in the film Ali

Boxer James Toney played the role of Joe Frazier in the 2001 film Ali.

Joe Frazier files lawsuit over land dispute

In 2003, Joe Frazier filed a lawsuit over a 140-acre plot of land that he had purchased, claiming it was sold without his knowledge. The trust defaulted, and Frazier did not receive full payment due to the lack of a secure mortgage.

Joe Frazier appears in Fight Night 2004 video game

Joe Frazier's appearance in the Fight Night 2004 video game marked his presence in the gaming world, further solidifying his legacy beyond boxing.

Vincent M. Mallozzi's Article in New York Times

On October 18, 2006, Vincent M. Mallozzi published an article in the New York Times titled 'Smokin' to Ashes, but the Fire Still Burns.' The article likely discussed Joe Frazier's life and career, reflecting on his impact on the boxing world.

Joe Frazier Inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame

In 2006, Joe Frazier was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport of boxing. Frazier, a former heavyweight champion, was honored for his achievements and legacy in the boxing world.

Death of Joseph 'Smokin' Joe' Frazier

Joseph 'Smokin' Joe' Frazier passed away on November 7, 2011, in Philadelphia due to liver cancer. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers in history, known for his iconic matches and fierce competitiveness.

Joe Frazier's Gym named in America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places

Joe Frazier's Gym was listed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in 2012.

Joe Frazier's Gym named to the National Register of Historic Places

In 2013, Joe Frazier's Gym was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Erection of Joe Frazier Statue at Xfinity Live! Philadelphia

A statue of Joe Frazier was erected at Xfinity Live! Philadelphia in 2015, sculpted by Philadelphia sculptor Stephen Layne.

Participation of Derek Frazier in Big Brother 23

CBS announced on July 1, 2021, that Derek Frazier, son of Joe Frazier, was a contestant on Big Brother 23 and finished as the runner-up.

Joe Frazier Inducted into Team USA Hall of Fame

Joe Frazier was honored by being inducted into the Team USA Hall of Fame on June 8, 2023.

End of the Timeline
Joe Frazier

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