A sour tragedy has lowered over Philadelphia as a true Philadelphia icon has passed, “Smokin’ Joe Frazier”.
Smokin Joe Fraizer
A product of Eddie Futch, Joe Frazier won Gold in the 1974 Olympics before becoming undisputed World Heavyweight Champion in 1970. Coming to Philadelphia from the South, post World War II, as so many residents have, Frazier chased a particularly vibrant zephyr of the American dream. Left behind was a world conveyed paradoxically as both simpler and more complicated. Frazier’s expectations might have been high when riding that Greyhound north, but were relatively modest considering he was destined, just a decade later, to become World Heavyweight Champion. There are no sweeter words nor a more highly sought title than those three words. His was a short reign, and undeservedly overlooked due to the subsequent dynamics of the 1970’s Heavyweight landscape. Examination of Frazier’s life ushers mourners to expect there to have been something more. Frazier gave a lot, but the thanks were few.
Having fought only 37 fights and active less than ten full years professionally, fans may have difficulty grasping that our Frazier fought well past his prime. He had been unified champion for only three years when Foreman ripped away his belt, and retired at only 32 following their equally dramatic rematch. Compared to the legacy of Willie Pep or other fellow legends, Frazier’s career appears one wisely and conservatively spent. Viewing footage changes this estimation. Frazier trained and fought with incredible intensity. His exceptional potential was only realized and preserved due to ice-cold will power. Hammering opponents equally set on obtaining the coveted title, Frazier appears immortal. Before reporters he gleams, a refined gentleman. Again, ageless. Unfortunately for Frazier, there was another man performing, and more welcoming of the camera during this era. Ali’s political activism paired with his comical tirades have cast a unique light on Soulful Joe’s career, and thus Frazier title reign has been reduced to a premise to the story of Ali’s second incarnation. Frazier, on his best nights, showed semblance to Joe Louis or Henry Armstrong. But history remembers his championship tenure for nothing more than an Oscar-worthy performance as Best Supporting Actor. The bout with Ali took a lot out of both men, but Frazier was already past his prime, while Ali entering his own. George Foreman’s entrance decided that history would remembered Ali, the immortal legend, and Frazier reduced to just another beaten ex-champ.
The story of Frazier is laden with irony. Obtaining the Heavyweight strap brought him woes in later life that unraveled a great man. Basking in the glory of greatness, the champ inspired the Rocky series. Frazier left home, refusing to be subject to racial inequality, and created a life of security here for his loving family. But he never felt fulfillment. Frazier’s hard-nosed, blue-collar approach provided classic representation of a city with such fierce pride that it has become notorious for it, however, some feel he has never been truly accepted here, or at least identified as a local legend.
A country boy at heart, Joe Fraizer
Every great fighter eventually loses, and yesterday Joe lost his final battle with liver cancer. Forever leaving a footprint in the heart of Philadelphia, the tragedy of his life does not diminish his achievement. Heaven-bound, Joe is finally taking a trip north to a land of true promise.
If you’ve ever met Joe, or have a memory to share of him and his career please leave a comment below.
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