Joe Frazier, the heavyweight boxer famed for giving Muhammad Ali his first defeat, died Monday at 67 shortly after being diagnosed with liver cancer. In spite of his victory, Frazier spent much of his career in Ali’s shadow. Ali said in a statement that the “world has lost a great champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration. My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones.” Fellow boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather offered to pay for Frazier’s funeral.
During his life, Frazier made a name for himself by winning a gold medal for the United States in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. But what sealed Frazier’s fame were his three fights against Ali. In 1971, after 15 rounds, Frazier landed a left hook that had Ali down for a four-count. They confronted each other again in 1974, which Ali won. Then, in a third match in 1975, Frazier’s corner stopped the bout after 14 rounds.
