JOE'S LIFE TIMELINE
1944
Born in Beaufort, South Carolina on January 12th to Rubin and Dolly Frazier. And this image is of Joe as a pre-teen.
1961
Joe's boxing potential was noticed by Yancey 'Yank' Durham at the Police Athletic League in Philadelphia.
1962
Joe won the novice heavyweight title at the Philadelphia Golden Gloves tournament and the Middle Atlantic Golden Gloves heavyweight championship for three
consecutive years.
1964
At 20 years old, Joe won the USA an Olympic gold at the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan with a broken left thumb. He was the first American to win gold in the heavyweight division.
1965
After the Olympics, Joe decided to go pro and had his first bout against Woody Goss and won with a first-round knockout.
1970
By 1970 Smoke had been boxing for 5 years. He had 26 bouts at this point and 23 of those were knockouts.
1971
Joe kept his title as the Undisputed World Heavy Weight Champion for the 5th year in a row by beating Muhammad Ali in the Fight of the Century battle.
1973
Joe never afraid of a challenge appeared on ABCs The Superstars and did many athletic events he never did before.
1975
The Thrilla in Manilla, Philippines bout was considered one of the most vicious fights in boxing history. Joe was ready to keep pushing but his corner threw in the towel.
1975
Joe Frazier's Gym in Philadelphia, PA was acquired by Smoke in 1975. The facility was open to the public and was a major hub for the youth in the area.
1980
Joe Frazier was inducted into the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame. His punching power and core strength were definitely keys to that accomplishment.
1981
Joe Frazier hung up his boxing gloves and retired from boxing with a 32-4-1 record with 27 knockouts. Almost 85% of all his wins ended in a knockout!
1990
Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and received the NAACP Image Award.
2011
This was a sad year for the family and friends of Joe. After months of fighting, he lost his life to liver cancer.
2015
Four years later Joe was honored with a 9-foot statue in front of Xfinity Live! at the Philly Sports Complex.
2018
The City of Philadelphia recognized Joe and named Broad & Glenwood Ave after him which is now dubbed Smokin' Joe Frazier Blvd.
2021
This amazing mural was dedicated to Joe and is recognized as the Heart of a Champion Mural.
