November 08, 2011--just received word that Joe Frazier passed away from hepatic cancer. The announcement of his illness, just a few days ago, gave no mention of how close he was to the end.
It's saddening to me for many reasons. I was a young boy when he fought Ali; he left an indelible impression as someone who did his talking in the ring, and gave it his all. Also, in his book Ghosts of Manila, Mark Kram described the physical ailments that plagued Smokin' Joe in his retirement years--diabetes, physical pain, impaired vision. And despite what was at the time a large payday for the Ali fights, Mr. Frazier was plagued with money problems during his middle-aged years. Happily, he recouped much at the end.
Finally, the insults that he endured from Ali proves that words can indeed harm, regardless of one's physical pain threshold. And Joe Frazier's boxing style demanded he take punishment that would have folded mere mortals.
p.s. 11-09-11--caught interview with boxing expert Bert Sugar on the Mike Francesa radio program. He made reference to Frazier's family woes and financial ones, as well.
Thank you, Mr. Frazier, for showing us how to go about our profession. And I liked your self-deprecating sense of humor in that Miller Lite beer commercial. You rightfully will become immortal. You paid an enormous price.
