Joe Frazier
Joe Frazier was an American heavyweight boxer who became world champion in 1970 and is best remembered for his trilogy of fights against Muhammad Ali.
Known as "Smokin' Joe," Frazier was famous for his relentless pressure style and devastating left hook.
He handed Ali his first professional loss in their 1971 bout, billed as the "Fight of the Century."
Legendary heavyweight champion
- Thrilla in ManilaFamous 1975 heavyweight championship fight
- George ForemanHeavyweight grill entrepreneur
- rematchRepeated contest between opponents
- grudge matchContest to settle scores
Pennsylvania's largest metropolis
- Hall of FamerHonored sports legend
- legendUnverified traditional tale
- iconPictorial screen symbol
- gym ownerRuns an exercise facility
trainer · North Philadelphia · knockout artist · heart · determination · grit · toughness · underdog
Curving punch from weaker side
- jabQuick, straight blow
- uppercutAscending boxing strike
- bobbingRhythmic vertical movement
- weavingInterlacing strands into fabric
body shots · footwork · head movement · combinations · counterpunch · smothering
Competition's top performer
- Team USANational athletic delegation
- amateur boxingNoncommercial competitive fighting
- podiumRaised platform for speakers
- national anthemOfficial patriotic composition
Olympic village · international competition · sportsmanship · Olympic glory
Holder of unchallenged supremacy
- title defenseChampion defends against challenger
- beltStrap securing trousers
- reignSovereign's time in power
- Madison Square GardenIconic NYC sports arena
Muhammad Ali
Legendary heavyweight champion
- Thrilla in ManilaFamous 1975 heavyweight championship fight
- George ForemanHeavyweight grill entrepreneur
- rematchRepeated contest between opponents
grudge match · war of words · trilogy · antagonism · epic battles
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania's largest metropolis
- Hall of FamerHonored sports legend
- legendUnverified traditional tale
- iconPictorial screen symbol
gym owner · trainer · North Philadelphia · knockout artist · heart · determination · grit · toughness · underdog
left hook
Curving punch from weaker side
weaving · body shots · footwork · head movement · combinations · counterpunch · smothering
gold medalist
Competition's top performer
- Team USANational athletic delegation
- amateur boxingNoncommercial competitive fighting
- podiumRaised platform for speakers
national anthem · Olympic village · international competition · sportsmanship · Olympic glory
undisputed champion
Holder of unchallenged supremacy
- title defenseChampion defends against challenger
- beltStrap securing trousers
- reignSovereign's time in power
- boxingjab, uppercut, hook, punch, knockout
- fightersboxer, boxers, wrestler, Muhammad Ali, fighter
- Muhammad Alirope-a-dope, float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, heavyweight title, George Foreman
- Philadelphia IconsWill Smith, Kevin Hart, Patti LaBelle, The Roots, Questlove
- 1974 eventsWatergate scandal, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Gerald Ford
- 1975Saturday Night Live, SNL, Born to Run, Bohemian Rhapsody, Apollo-Soyuz
Joe FrazierMuhammad Ali
Legendary heavyweight champion
Sugar Ray Leonard · George Foreman · counterpunchers · counterpuncher · boxers