Joe Frazier

Joe Frazier (1944 to 2011), known as Smokin' Joe, was an American heavyweight boxer from Philadelphia who fought professionally from 1965 to 1981. As an amateur he won a gold medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics. As a professional he held the New York State Athletic Commission heavyweight title from 1968 to 1973 and was the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1970 to 1973. His strength, durability, relentless pressure and powerful left hook made him the first man to defeat Muhammad Ali, which he did by unanimous decision in the 1971 Fight of the Century. He lost his title to George Foreman in 1973 and was beaten by Ali in the 1975 Thrilla in Manila. He retired with a record of 32 wins, 4 losses and 1 draw and was part of the first induction class of the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.