Joe Frazier, former heavyweight boxing champion, dead at age 67 (VIDEO)

Joe Frazier, the former heavyweight champion boxer, has died aged 67.

Frazier — who 1971 became the first fighter to defeat Muhammad Ali, before losing two rematches — was diagnosed with liver cancer just five weeks ago, his manager Leslie Wolff told The Associated Press on Saturday. 

Wolff said then that doctors had not said how long Frazier — or Smokin' Joe, as he was known — might have to live.  

(GlobalPost reports: Ex-champ Joe Frazier has cancer)

CNN quotes a statement released by Frazier's family Monday as saying:

"We, The Family of … Smokin' Joe Frazier, regret to inform you of his passing," the statement said. "He transitioned from this life as 'One of God's Men,' on the eve of November 7, 2011 at his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania."

In his 37 professional fights, Frazier won 32 times — 27 by knockout — and lost only four, with one draw. 

Frazier's name was synonymous with that of Ali, according to USA Today. 

Ali and Frazier. Frazier and Ali. It was almost as if you couldn't say one without the other, said boxing historian Bert Randolph Sugar, who covered their amazing trilogy of fights in the 1970s.

Fox News remembers him thus:

He beat Muhammad Ali in the Fight of the Century, battled him nearly to the death in the Thrilla in Manila. Then Joe Frazier spent the rest of his life trying to fight his way out of Ali's shadow.

However, he never really accepted his 1-2 record against Ali, according to the LA Times.

"I whupped him three times," Frazier said many times over the years.

The Associated Press quotes Muhammad Ali as saying he will always remember Joe Frazier with admiration and respect.