Boxing legend Joe Frazier died Monday in his Philadelphia home, his family has confirmed. Frazier, who is best known for being the first boxer to defeat Muhammad Ali, had been battling liver cancer. He was 67.
"We The Family of ... Smokin' Joe Frazier, regret to inform you of his passing," his family said in a statement. "He transitioned from this life as 'One of God's Men,' on the eve of November 7, 2011 at his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania."
Frazier, also known to boxing fans as Smokin’ Joe, became a pro boxer in 1965 after winning a gold medal at the 1964 summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. He went on to achieve 32 wins in his professional boxing career. All but five of his wins were by knock outs. He lost four fights – two to Muhammad Ali and two to George Foreman – and had one draw. Frazier retired in 1977, but returned for a match in 1981. He later opened a gym in Philadelphia. Frazier was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
Ali, 69, offered his condolences in a statement. “I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration. My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones," he said.
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