Via CNN: Boxing great Joe Frazier, who went toe to toe three times with Muhammad Ali, including the famous “Thrilla in Manila” fight, is seriously ill with liver cancer and is in a hospice, his personal and business manager said Saturday. Frazier, 67, is in a Philadelphia facility, manager Leslie Wolff said. The former heavyweight champion was diagnosed just four or five weeks ago. “He’s a true gentleman,” Wolff said. “Along with Muhammad Ali, (he is) one of the two most recognizable athletes in the world.” Frazier, nicknamed “Smokin’ Joe,” used his devastating left hook with impunity during his professional career, retiring with a 32-4-1 record. Frazier, the son of a South Carolina sharecropper, boxed during the glory days of the heavyweight division, going up against greats George Foreman, Oscar Bonavena, Joe Bugner and Jimmy Ellis. But it was his three much-hyped fights against Ali that helped seal his legend. Frazier bested Ali at 1971′s “Fight of the Century” at Madison Square Garden. In the 15th round, Frazier landed perhaps the most famous left hook in history, catching Ali on the jaw and dropping the former champ for a four-count, according to Frazier’s bio at the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Frazier left the ring still the champ after handing Ali his first professional defeat. Fans and well-wishers were encouraged to post their thoughts and prayers at joefrazierscorner.com. We pray that “Smokin’ Joe” will be able to overcome the cancer battle. More On Bossip! Careers From The Crib: Top Ten Work From Home Jobs That Make The Most Money He Wants That Old Thang Back! Is Reggie Bush Pining For Kimmy Cakes??? Making It Rain On The World: Where Does Obama Rank As One Of The 10 Most Powerful People On The Planet? Maino Had A Busy Summer: Check Out The Two Other Jawns With Whom Olivia Shared His Loving, Plus Pics Of Her New Boo Ho Go Away: People That Are Rich And Famous Even Though They Have NO Talents Whatsoever
View post:
Get Well: Boxing Legend Joe Frazier Has Liver Cancer
