Joe Frazier is being cared for at a hospice after being diagnosed with liver cancer. According to reports, Frazier was given the diagnoses four weeks ago and doctors have not told him how long he will live. Frazier stood as one one of best heavyweight fighters in the late ’60s and ’70s. His battles with Muhammad Ali were epic.
The “Thrilla in Manila” was once called the fight of the century. Several years ago, rolling out sports visited Frazier at his gym Philadelphia. Munson Steed interviewed the former champ about a time when boxing was the most intriguing sport on earth. –amir shaw
How does it feel to know that there is a new perspective on the relationship between you and Muhammad Ali?
I thought that life was great for all of us. There was a time when a guy your color could not do an interview. It took a while, but things have changed. Back in those days, Ali and I got along. Before he got his boxing license back, President Nixon wanted to talk to me. He asked me if I should let Ali fight again. I was the first one there to speak up in his defense.
You have always been a guy of high moral standards. Why is your image so important to you?
I don’t know another way to live. I was raised under animosity, bigotry and racism. But that didn’t bother me because I knew I wanted to be a champion. I knew something good was waiting for me. My family had to struggle, and I didn’t want them to continue to … I wanted to do something about it.
What changes do you hope for in boxing?
We need to get back to the fight game where we left it. The boxing game has been good, so we need to give back. We have to teach young men how to be men. This ultimate fighting stuff is something I don’t agree with. Once a man is down, you have to let him have a chance to prove how good he is. They’re bringing the fight game down.
What would you say to young brothers about taking advantage of opportunities?
You can do what you want to do because there are opportunities available that we didn’t have. The black kids can go to school with anyone. I couldn’t go to school with whites. Now there are schools that educate everyone. Look at what President Barack Obama has done.
