At one time he was considered one of the most indestructible men in the entire world. Not only was he a heavyweight boxing champion but he was one of the most brutally powerful champs and equally tough in his ability to take a beating. Perhaps best known for his classic fights with Muhammed Ali, one in particular was the “Thrilla in Manila” where Joe lost a very controversial decision where both men where close to death. Many attribute the beating the Joe gave to Ali that night as a major contributing factor to Ali’s Parkison’s illness later in life.

Another notable and interesting fact about Joe is that he carried a hatred of Ali till the day he died. Ali was famous for taunting and ridiculing his opponents before the fight and he was brutal in his treatment of Frazier, calling him a monkey and a brute and a race traitor. And since Joe was not a eloquent speaker he could not respond or defend himself on equal terms. An interesting story I heard is that till the day Joe died his answering message on his machine made mention of Ali’s brain illness and on the message Joe is gloating and rubbing it in. Now that’s a grudge.

Joe’s death was very sudden. He was diagnosed with liver cancer in September 2011 and died on November 7, 2011. We do not have an autopsy report as there was none as the cause of death was clear. Ali attended the funeral and was said to have praised the boxer and was seen clapping loudly when the Reverend Jesse Jackson asked attenders to “show their love”.