Philadelphia Honors Famed Boxer Joe Frazier
A Philadelphia sports legend received his due honors yesterday when he had a North Philly street named after him. “Smokin'” Joe Frazier, the great heavyweight boxer, was a World Champion between 1970 and 1973. A native of the City of Brotherly Love, Frazier was honored in a ceremony during which Mayor Jim Kenney rededicated the former Glenwood Avenue in North Philadelphia as “Smokin'” Joe Frazier Boulevard.
Frazier is remembered for his legendary boxing career, including a win against Muhammed Ali in what many consider to be the match of the century.
On hand for the dedication was a fellow boxing legend, Larry Holmes, who grew up in neighboring Easton. Holmes spoke fondly of Frazier, recalling how Frazier was one of his earlier sparring partners and how he made sure that Holmes had all the equipment he needed before his first match. Holmes, who has been honored in Easton with a statue and a street named after him, wondered why it took Philadelphia so long to do the same for Joe Frazier.
Frazier’s story is the stuff of legends. His first bout against Muhammed Ali, which some consider to be the match of the century, ended in a rousing win. He was a fierce competitor, ending his boxing career with a record of 32-4-1. His only losses came during two rematches against Ali, and a pair of losses to George Forman. Certainly a legacy of which to be proud. Joe Frazier died of liver cancer in 2011.
Frazier’s daughter, Weatta Frazier Collins, said that she was touched by the gesture, although she commented that her father would have been embarrassed by all the acclaim. She described him as publicity-shy. At the same time, she stated that she thought it was about time that Philadelphia showed her father some love: “Unfortunately, my father was sometimes his worst enemy. He didn’t think he needed all these accolades. But we are not finished. We got the statue done. Now we got the street sign. We are going to try to get some schools,” she told 6ABC, making reference to a statue of Frazier in South Philly that was erected less than three years ago.
