Celebrities
Joe Frazier in Hospice with Liver Cancer
Frazier fights Ali in 1971; Frazier today (inset)
Popperfoto/Getty; Inset: Sipa
Boxing great Joe Frazier is fighting the battle of a lifetime.
The former World Heavyweight champion, 67, is in a Philadelphia-based hospice suffering from liver cancer, according to reports.
Known for his infamous “Thrilla in Manila” fight against Muhammad Ali, Frazier – nicknamed “Smokin’ Joe” – is an inductee of both the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
“He’s a true gentleman,” Frazier’s manager Leslie Wolff told CNN, confirming that he was diagnosed just four or five weeks ago. “Along with Muhammad Ali, [he is] one of the two most recognizable athletes in the world.”
Fans of the famous fighter are encouraged to post their thoughts and prayers at JoeFraziersCorner.com.