Former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier has died after a long bout with liver cancer, according to a report from WPVI News in Philadelphia.
His family issued this statement on Monday:
"We The Family of the 1964 Olympic Boxing Heavyweight Gold Medalist, Former Heavyweight Boxing Champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame Member Smokin' Joe Frazier, regrets to inform you of his passing. He transitioned from this life as "One of God's Men," on the eve of November 7, 2011 at his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We thank you for your prayers for our Father and vast outpouring of love and support."
Frazier was 67.
Leslie Wolff, who has been the fighter's manager for seven years, said Frazier has been flooded with get-well messages from former boxers and fans. Wolff told The Associated Press some fans have offered to donate a liver.
Frazier was diagnosed last month with the disease. His manager said the boxer had been in out and out of the hospital since early October and has been receiving hospice treatment the last week.
Smokin' Joe Frazier was before my time, but I still admire and respect him as one of the boxing greats. We'll all miss him. R.I.P.
