Frazier, Joe (1944-2011), was heavyweight boxing champion of the world in the early 1970’s. Frazier became especially known for three famous fights with Muhammad Ali. They first met in 1971, when both were undefeated. Frazier was the World Boxing Association (WBA) champion, and Ali was the World Boxing Council (WBC) champion. Frazier won by a decision, making him undisputed champion. Ali defeated Frazier by a decision in 1974 and by a technical knockout in 1975. The 1975 match, held in Manila, the Philippines, has been called one of the greatest fights in boxing history.
Joseph William Frazier was born on Jan. 12, 1944, in Beaufort, South Carolina. He quit school at the age of 13 or 14 and began boxing at 16 in New York City. He won the gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1964 Summer Olympic Games and turned professional in 1965. Frazier won the WBA version of the heavyweight title by defeating Jimmy Ellis in 1970. After two successful title defenses, Frazier lost his title to George Foreman in a major upset in 1973. Frazier retired in 1976 with a career record of 32 victories, 4 defeats, and 1 draw. Frazier died on Nov. 7, 2011.
