Joe Frazier can truly be considered one of the pioneers of heavyweight boxing, helping to change the sport forever.
Although Frazier suffered losses to George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, he is still considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time.
With a professional record of 32-4-1, ‘Smokin’ was a force to be reckoned with in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Being the first man to defeat Ali, his talents could not be denied.
In order to set up his first meeting with Ali, however, Frazier defended his world title in style.
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Joe Frazier had a brutal knockout over Bob Foster to defend world title
After winning the WBA and WBC World Heavyweight titles against Jimmy Ellis in February 1970 via retirement, Frazier would look to defend his belts nine months later.
For his first title defense of the belts, he faced Bob Foster in Michigan. Fighting in November 1970, ‘Smokin’ was 26 years old, with a record of 25-0.
His opponent, Foster, went into the bout with a 41-4 record. However, he had not tasted defeat in almost five years.
The challengers’ five-year winning streak would come to an end when he faced Frazier. As Foster was moving to heavyweight, the light heavyweight champion would be stopped early in the fight.
In the second round, a sharp left hook from the champion would tumble Foster to the canvas. Despite recovering, the same punch would eventually end the bout.
Foster was left lying on the canvas as another damaging left hook landed flush. This time, the challenger would not be able to recover.
Frazier extended his winning streak to 26, as he defended the WBA and WBC titles for the first time.
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Joe Frazier would win his first meeting with Muhammad Ali in 1971
Frazier and Ali have one of the most legendary boxing rivalries of all time. Their first meeting came in March 1971, as Frazier was able to build on his Foster victory.
The two competed in Madison Square Garden for their first meeting as a 29-year-old Ali had a 31-0 record. However, he would be defeated for the first time by the champion.
Although Ali was coming off a win over Oscar Bonavena, he would be beaten on the scorecards by Frazier. As well as this, he was sent to the canvas in the 15th round.
By the time both men retired, it would be Ali who could boast the most success in their rivalry. With two wins in 1974 and 1975, it was a brace of victories for ‘The Greatest’ against Frazier.