Joe Frazier (1944-2011)

Smokin' Joe Frazier passed away last week.  Most people know him as Muhammad Ali's greatest rival.  Many will forget he's an Olympic Gold Medalist.  He headlined the Fight of the Century and the Thrilla in Manila with Ali.  Their rivalry inside the ring matched their war of words outside of it.  In the Thrilla in Manila, Frazier was so tough, so stubborn that he fought literally blind as they pummeled each other.  He wouldn't quit, and would rather die than succumb to Ali.  His corner, thankfully, wouldn't let him.  In the end Frazier looked like he had a peanut allergy and had just ate a jug of peanut butter.  And then someone punched him in the face.

"I'm sorry Joe Frazier is mad at me.  I'm sorry I hurt him.  Joe Frazier is a good man, and I couldn't have done what I did without him, and he couldn't have done what he did without me.  And if God ever calls me to a holy war, I want Joe Frazier fighting beside me." -- Muhammad Ali

Future out.