Biography
Joseph William "Joe" Frazier, known as "Smokin" Joe, is a former Olympic and World Heavyweight boxing champion, whose professional career lasted from 1965 to 1976, with a brief comeback in 1981.
Frazier emerged as a contender in the mid-1960s, defeating Jerry Quarry, Oscar Bonavena, Buster Mathis, Eddie Machen, Doug Jones and Jimmy Ellis en route to becoming undisputed heavyweight champion in 1970, and followed up by defeating Muhammad Ali in the highly-anticipated "Fight of the Century" in 1971. Two years later Frazier lost his title when he was knocked out by George Foreman. He launched a comeback, beating Joe Bugner, losing a rematch to Ali, and beating Quarry and Ellis again.
Frazier's last world title challenge came in 1975, but he was beaten by Ali in their brutal rubbermatch. He retired in 1976 following a second loss to Foreman. He made a comeback in 1981, fighting just once, before retiring for good. The International Boxing Research Organization (IBRO) rates Frazier among the ten greatest heavyweights of all time. He is an inductee of both the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
Frazier's style was often compared to that of Henry Armstrong, dependent on bobbing, weaving and wearing down his opponents with relentless pressure. His best known punch was a powerful left hook, which accounted for most of his knockouts. Compared to Ali's style, he was close enough to the ideal bruiser that some in the press and media characterized the bouts as the answer to the classic question: "What happens when a boxer meets with a brawler?"
Since retiring Frazier has made cameo appearances in several Hollywood movies, and two episodes of The Simpsons. His son Marvis also became a boxer - trained by Frazier himself - although was unable to emulate his father's success. Frazier continues to train fighters in his gym in Philadelphia. His later years have also seen the continuation of his bitter rivalry with Ali, in which the two periodically exchange insults, interspersed with brief reconciliations.
Filmography
all 44
self 34
Movies 32
TV Shows 12
Thrilla in Manilla (2019)
Joe Frazier: When the Smoke Clears (2012)
Facing Ali (2009)
Thrilla in Manila (2008)
Secret Talents of the Stars (2008)
American Gangster (2007)
The Next Great Champ (2004)
Jim Brown: All-American (2002)
Ali-Frazier I: One Nation... Divisible (2000)
Champions Forever - World Heavyweight Champs! (2000)
Muhammad Ali - The Greatest Collection (1999)
Just the Ticket (1998)
A Christmas Journey Home (1996)
When We Were Kings (1996)
Muhammad Ali The Whole Story (1996)
Die Muhammad Ali Story (1996)
A Whole New Ballgame (1995)
Home of Angels (1994)
WWE Raw (1993)
Night of 100 Stars III (1990)
The Simpsons (1989)
Champions Forever (1989)
Ghost Fever (1987)
WrestleMania II (1986)
NWA Starrcade '84: The Million Dollar Challenge (1984)
Wogan (1982)
Rocky (1976)
George Foreman vs Joe Frazier II (1976)
Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier III (1975)
Ali the Man: Ali the Fighter (1975)
The Jeffersons (1975)
George Foreman vs. Muhammad Ali (1974)
Movin' On (1974)
Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier II (1974)
The Fighters (1974)
The Fight (1974)
Joe Frazier vs. George Foreman (1973)
Fight of the Century (1971)
Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier I (1971)
Sportsnight (1968)
The Dick Cavett Show (1968)
Tokyo Olympiad (1965)
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962)
Jerry Quarry: Boxing's Hard Luck Warrior
Ratings
Information
Known ForActing
GenderMale
Birthday1944-01-12
Deathday2011-11-07 (67 years old)
Birth PlaceBeaufort, United States of America
Height182-centimeter
ChildrenDerek Frazier, Marvis Frazier, Jackie Frazier-Lyde
CitizenshipsUnited States of America
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