Overshadowed, but not entirely eclipsed, by the Penn State-Joe Paterno Scandal was the passing this week of former heavy weight boxing champion Joe Frazier. Known as Smokin' Joe, and possessing what experts deem the most lethal left hook in boxing history, he is best remembered for his three epic battles with Mohamed Ali. Frazier came out on the short end in two of those fights. But unlike his other great rival George Foreman (the only other boxer to defeat Smokin' Joe) who was a good friend, he and Ali never buried the hatchet (Foreman said to ESPN that he won't go to the funeral because he's too upset. "I love this one," were his exact words). From what I've been able to pick up it's not just that Joe could never forgive the insults hurled at him by Ali, he could never understand them either. He had supported Ali when he was stripped of his title after refusing to go to Vietnam in the 60's, and was deeply hurt when he was thanked by being called an "Uncle Tom," "Stupid" and a" Gorilla" by "The Greatest.". But Ali was a showman who was always promoting his fights, trying to improve the gate and closed circuit draw. He wanted the people to think he and is opponent hated each other. Frazier, by all accounts a sensitive, feeling man, may not have gotten the joke. Burt Sugar, the boxing historian, thinks they never did like each other, Foreman disputes that assessment.
Either way Frazier has always lived in the shadow of his brash, outspoken rival, even though Mohamed Ali has been long silenced by Parkinson's Disease. It's a pity that now his death is being crowded out of the spotlight by this sorted scandal in "Happy Valley." Joe Frazier wasn't the loudest or flashiest of boxers. But he was one of the steadiest and most feared, as well as loved by his opponents. And yeah, he was dedicated to his family. Flashy, no; but qualities worth remembering and honoring.
Eternal rest grant unto him o Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed, by the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen
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