by Clifford F. Thies
Muhammed Ali said he was the greatest, other than for himself. Joe Frazier, Smokin' Joe, passed away shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. The World Heavyweight Champion from 1970 to 1973, and the gold medal winner in the Heavyweight division in the Tokyo Olympics of 1964, was 67. The three matches between Frazier and Ali - the first two in Madison Square Garden and the third billed as "The Thilla' in Manilla," were among the greatest boxing exhibitions of all time.
Everybody involved, from Don King, the promoter, to Howard Cosell, the announcer, became larger than life. Smokin' Joe, relentless in the attack, bobbing and weaving, taking punches, to delver his own devastating blows. Ali, the consummate counter-puncher, dancing around in the ring, avoiding or deflecting punches with his arms, while jabbing with power and accuracy. It was brutal and beautiful at the same time.
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