In the end, the ravages of a dreaded disease took him away from this Earth.
There was a time when Muhammad Ali taunted Joe Frazier relentlessly, called him ugly and challenged his manhood.
After his old rival died Monday of liver cancer, Ali had nothing but kind words for Smokin’ Joe.
Indeed, the world has lost a great champion.
He and Ali will be linked forever, both heavyweight champions and bitter enemies in the boxing ring who squared off in three epic fights from 1971-75.
Frazier won the first one at Madison Square Garden in the Fight of the Century. Ali took the last two, cementing his legend as “The Greatest.”
And who can forget the Thrilla in Manila when both men nearly fought to the death?
Frazier will be remembered forever as a fierce warrior and one of boxing’s greatest.
He lived in a time when the “sweet science” was in its halcyon years. It was a time that defined the sport and those who were talented enough to be true pugilists.
Frazier’s last round ended Monday night. And he fought valiantly like the champ that he was.
In the end, the ravages of a dreaded disease took him away from this Earth.
Nothing, however, can take away the indomitable skills of a truly great sportsman.
Rest in peace, champ. Rest in peace.
