The Fighter's Fighter

I'm far too young to have been around to watch The Fight of the Century, the Thrilla in Manila, or any of the legendary boxer "Smokin Joe" Frazier's fights. Pretty much all I can say is that I have taken a picture in front of the Rocky statue in my city of Philadelphia. The fictional character seems like a joke when compared to the real-life legend, Philadelphia's own Joe Frazier. The city is confident that the just re-elected Mayor Michael Nutter will organize efforts to have a statue erected in Smokin' Joe's honor as well. If anyone is deserving, it is him.

Liver cancer took the life of Frazier at the relatively young age of 67.

Of all the bouts Frazier was able to win, there was one he could not escape: being in the shadow of Muhammad Ali. Being "Ali's Foil" was a lifelong burden Frazier endured, and that it took him until recently to come to terms with. Ali's taunts aimed at Frazier to promote all three of their fights would eat at Joe for years following, until he finally forgave his eternal opponent a few decades later.

Frazier's bitterness toward Ali was demonstrated when asked in 1996 what he thought about Ali being honored with lighting the Olympic torch in Atlanta.

"They should have thrown him in," Frazier told a reporter.

After all, Frazier had to sit and watch while Ali became one of the most beloved people in the world, while he was overlooked. Ali was a showman while Frazier was simply a fighter.

But both had mutual respect for each other, because of the grit and determination they both exhibited in the ring. At the conclusion of their third an final clash, the fight was finished because Frazier's trainer, Eddie Futch, would not let him back into the ring. Why? Because he could no longer see. Yet he wanted to fight on nonetheless. Meanwhile, across the ring in his own chair, a battered Ali was contemplating surrendering as well. While Ali won the fight, both men honored themselves with resolve the country has not witnessed since.

In contrasting ways, both men fostered each others' legacies. The only thing is, Frazier never got the respect he yearned for and deserved; maybe in his passing this country will do him justice.

"Smokin' Joe brought honor, dignity and pride for his people, the AMERICAN people, and brought the nation together as only sports can do."

Thrilla in Manila promoter Don King's words sum up Frazier's legacy beautifully.

And rightly so, Joe Frazier will go down as "The Fighter's Fighter," a name only the most honorable of men is worthy of.