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"Smoking" Joe Frazier's illustrious career is commemorated alongside his peers Ali, Foreman and Holmes in a mural by Dave McShane at Philadelphia's historic boxing landmark, The Blue Horizon on Broad Street in North Philadelphia. (Photo by Kevin Slattery courtesy Mural Arts Program)

Boxing legend and former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier passed away yesterday at the age of 67. Widely considered one of the greatest fighters of all time, the boxing legacy of “Smoking” Joe Frazier will always be tied to that of Muhammad Ali’s, as the two battled in three of the most legendary boxing matches to date.

After moving to Philadelphia at 15 years old, Frazier never left and became one of the city’s most recognizable athletes, as well as an active and visible member of the community, operating Joe Frazier’s Gym in North Philadelphia for decades.

Joe Frazier embodied the spirit of Philadelphia, rising to every occasion even when seemingly outmatched and counted out. He will be missed but his legacy, both in and out of the ring, will continue to live on.

A Joe Frazier Retrospective [Philly.com]
A Champion Who Won Inside the Ring and Out [The New York Times]