Rest in Peace, Smokin' Joe

The passing of Smokin' Joe Frazier last week at the age of 67 due to liver cancer had a personal impact on me because of a fight that took place fifteen years before I was born. The "Thrilla in Manila", the final (and third) fight for the heavyweight championship between Frazier and Muhammad Ali, is proof of how dramatic competition can be.

I believe that sports sometimes imitates life, and there is no better example than the boxing match that took place in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines on the first day of October, 1975. While one fight should not define a man's life (or career, for that matter), Frazier's final bout with Ali was the first thing that came to mind when I heard about his death.

 I was first shown the match by a football coach, as a way to teach the team I played for what it meant to battle. What I saw was a brutal struggle between two legends of the boxing ring that were nearing the end of their careers. The will that both competitors showed, not just to win, but to overcome the other man, is something that hasn't been as gritty or genuine in professional sports (especially boxing) in a long time.

Ali won the match and retained his championship after Frazier's trainer, Eddie Futch, refused to send his fighter out for the final round for fear of his well-being. Although Frazier was bloodied and beaten, he still wanted to compete. He had wanted to go out for one more round, and have one more chance at victory. Unfortunately, but (probably) thankfully for both men, the match had ended in the 14^th round with Ali as the victor. I'll always remember my coach telling our team about how both fighters were never as good as they were after those fourteen tremendous rounds.

There is a moment in the fight that I believe captured the spirit of Smokin' Joe Frazier perfectly. About midway through the bout, Ali reportedly leaned in to Frazier to whisper in his ear that "they" had told him that he (Frazier) was all washed up. According to the reports of the fight, Frazier simply barked back, "They told you wrong" and continued to fight.  

It is a fight that I will continue to watch on occasion throughout my life because it captures the true soul of sports. Joe Frazier may be remembered for other matches or different accomplishments throughout his life, but I will always remember him best as he battled to be the best in Manila. Rest in Peace, Smokin' Joe.