Photo: The Ring Magazine (Getty)
Most of us remember Joe Frazier as one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, one who took down Muhammad Ali in what was dubbed the “Fight of the Century” in 1971. Most of us also remember him as “Smokin’ Joe,” the boxer who brought home a gold medal after smoking the competition in the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
In his professional career, Frazier finished 32-4-1, with 27 of those 32 victories coming via knockout, but sadly, it was liver cancer that knocked out the boxing legend in November 2011 at the age of 67. His funeral took place on November 14 of that year at the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia and was attended by Muhammad Ali, Don King, Larry Holmes, Magic Johnson and Dennis Rodman along with his friends and family.
Well, apparently Fox 29 in Philly has the other side of the story, as they went out of their way to wish the former champion a happy 73rd birthday today despite the fact that he a) died in 2011 like we said and b) was born on January 12. Not only that, but he’s apparently going to be meeting with friends and supporters at City Hall tonight, which might be something somebody should call the Ghostbusters about.
Philadelphia’s Fox Affiliate Wishes A Happy 73rd Birthday To Joe Frazier, Who Died More Than Five Years Ago
“Such a force” is right, man. I mean, if this guy is popping up out of his casket to meet with friends tonight, that truly is something special.
No word on what Fox 29 has in store for an encore when Muhammad Ali turns 75 next Tuesday.
h/t Barstool Sports
