You may have guessed that Old Guys Rule has an affinity for some classic pastimes, like boxing. So, we were saddened to hear the news about the passing of Smokin' Joe (Frazier) last week. We couldn't help but to think back to those fights he had with one of our Living Legends...Muhammad Ali.

Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali were both fierce fighters, but especially so when fighting each other. Frazier took the heavyweight title in a bout with Ali at Madison Square Gardens in 1971 - it is called (and rightly so) The Fight of the Century. Three years later, Ali won against Smokin' Joe in a non-title fight. Then in 1975, the two came toe-to-toe again in the Thrilla in Manilla. Ali won that match up when Frazier couldn't enter the ring for the 15th Round. Although he won, Ali said, "It's the closest I've come to death." That is a true testament to the kind of fighter Smokin' Joe was: relentless, strong and fierce.

Even though Frazier and Ali fought each other nearly four decades ago, the intensity of those battles is still felt today. People still talk about those fights, still commend those great fighters, still feel passionately about the outcomes. Frazier and Ali seemed to be at odds for years, but later in their lives, fences seemed to have been mended somewhat. There was a gentleman's respect for one another. When Ali heard of Frazier's passing, he is quoted to have said, “The world has lost a great champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration.” We couldn't agree more. Thanks for the memories Smokin' Joe, we won't forget it.


Photo Courtesy of: http://www.nytimes.com