Tribute

I realise this tribute has come a little late, but not many people know what a fan I am of boxing.

I love the charisma, the showmanship, the brutality, the honour, the trash-talk, the tears, the blood, the hours of training, the strict dieting, the discipline, the shaking of hands after beating the crap out of each other, the corruption, the scandal, the bad refereeing calls, and most of all, the heroes and legends the sport gives birth to.

In Joe Frazier, the boxing world had a gritty gentleman champion. Sure, he talked a big game. But no more than Muhammad Ali. Big George Foreman was a power-player during that era, and the 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" bout against Ali is regarded as one of the most memorable fights of all time.

Those three names traded world heavyweight titles in the 70s - a golden era in boxing. And in 1975 came the "Thrilla in Manila". It was Ali-Frazier, in the third time and final time they would meet.

First, some history. Ali had once said "The man who will beat me will be fast, strong and hasn't been born yet."

He was wrong.

In 1971, the Fight of the Century took place between Smokin' Joe and The Greatest. In the 15th round, Frazier floored Ali with a trademark left hook, breaking his jaw, and eventually handing him his first-ever defeat.

By 1975, Ali's camp were convinced Frazier was past his best. During the bout, Ali reportedly said to Frazier "They told me you was washed up, Joe" to which Frazier responded "They told you wrong, pretty boy."

How can you not get caught up in that sort of romance? Frazier was defeated by way of Technical Knockout before the 15th round - with trainer Eddie Futch whispering to Frazier after the 14th "No-one will forget what you did here today."

And no-one has.

Long live the heroes. Long live the memory of Smokin' Joe Frazier.