Story from The Takeaway. Listen to the above audio for a complete report.
Joe Frazier, the heavyweight boxing champion who gave Muhammad Ali his first loss, died Monday night.
He was 67.
Frazier will likely always be best known for his victory over Ali in 1971. The two met in two rematches including the well-known Thrilla in Manilla that pitted the two against each other when Ali beat him. Frazier lost to Ali two out of the three times they faced each other.
Frazier was often jealous of the attention Ali got, especially because it came at his own expense. But over the years, that went away.
“I was busy fighting. I was busy fighting and raising my kids and getting in shape and doing what I had to to get the job done,” he said two years ago.
Opponents described him as tenacious and ferocious — you’d need a sledge hammer to take him down, opponents said.
Instead, it was liver cancer that ultimately knocked him out.
———————————————–
“The Takeaway” is a national morning news program, delivering the news and analysis you need to catch up, start your day, and prepare for what’s ahead. The show is a co-production of WNYC and PRI, in editorial collaboration with the BBC, The New York Times Radio, and WGBH.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!