When boxing was bold, bright, and glamorous and the fights were the hottest sporting events of the year, Joe Frazier was king as the Heavyweight Champion of the World. From 1970 to 1973, he reigned. With a career record of 32-4-1 with twenty-seven knockouts and an Olympic gold medal, Frazier leaves little question that he was one of the greatest fighters of all time. In Smokin' Joehe opens upabout growing up poor to fighting in the first $2.5 million bout; about his relationship with Muhammad Ali; and about the often corrupt world of boxing. Personable, good-natured, and funny, his story is a real delight.
