Legendary Hall of Fame boxer Joe Frazier passed away on Monday night at his home in Philadelphia. The former heavyweight champion succumbed after a long battle with liver cancer. Frazier was 67. His family released a statement, per WPVI-TV in Philadelphia:
"We The Family of the 1964 Olympic Boxing Heavyweight Gold Medalist, Former Heavyweight Boxing Champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame Member Smokin' Joe Frazier, regrets to inform you of his passing. He transitioned from this life as "One of God's Men," on the eve of November 7, 2011at his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We thank you for your prayers for our Father and vast outpouring of love and support"
"Smokin' Joe" is most known for his three bouts with Muhammad Ali, including the infamous "Fight of the Century" on March 8, 1971 when he beat Ali in a 15-round decision. Frazier fought four times in Los Angeles in his career, all at the Olympic Auditorium in 1966-1967, before he became heavyweight champion.
After his boxing career, he made a cameo in the movie Rocky in 1976, and had a classic commercial for Miller Lite beer:
One of the all-time great boxers in any weight class, Frazier will be missed.