COURT HOUSE — Many Cape May County boxing fans mourned the Nov. 7 passing of “Smokin’” Joe Frazier, among them Dr. Suketu Nanavati, a personal friend of the world heavyweight boxing champion.
The Court House cardiologist has a memento Frazier gave him that he prizes now more than ever, a golden boxing glove with champ’s autograph.
As he showed that prized glove to the Herald Thur., Nov. 10, Nanavati wondered why his friend was taken so quickly at the same age as he is, 67. Frazier, a center city Philadelphian, was battling liver cancer, diagnosed early in October, and was under hospice care at the time of his passing.
“He was a great man. He was so nice. You would never imagine he was a fighter. He was such a great fighter, and he could be so humble,” Nanavati said.
Frazier had promised Nanavati that he would join the doctor when he opens his new clinic.
“When he was 66 he was doing 100 push ups a day. His home was full of all sorts of (exercise) equipment,” Nanavati said. “He was very full of life,” he added.
Frazier held the world heavyweight crown from February 1970 until January 1973, when George Foreman beat him. Many still cite Frazier’s match with Muhammad Ali in Manila, Philippines Oct. 1, 1975, which lasted 14 rounds, during which Ali, through a technical knockout, won.
In 1976, Frazier left the ring for a more relaxed retirement. Bored of that lifestyle, he tried in 1981 to reenter the boxing world, but without success.
At that time, he opened a gym in Philadelphia to pass on his skills to young boxers.
The International Boxing Hall of Fame, Canastota, N.Y. added Frazier to its ranks in 1990.
According to that organization’s website, Frazier, the son of a South Carolina sharecrop-per, “became a boxer by accident. He first went to a gym to work himself into shape. Shortly after, he began fighting competitively and become one of the best amateur heavy-weights in the nation.”
According to that organization, Frazier fought in 37 bouts, won 32, lost four and had one draw. He chalked up 27 knockouts in his career.
Cape May County residents also have other memories of Frazier.
A photograph from December 1986, taken by Herald photographer Doris Ward, and posted on this site recently, showed Frazier, as grand marshal of Middle Township’s Christmas parade, with then mayor Michael J. Voll and Megan Menz on the reviewing stand.
The following are reader comments from the Herald’s website as he fought his final round:
Tue, 11/08/2011 – 10:57am – Posted by: justfrankie
I saw the news Of Joe’s passing this morning. He was a great man and will be missed by myself and many others. A friend of mine ran into him in a North Philadelphia tavern a few months ago and he was looking fine. The Delaware valley has lost a true hero.
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Sat, 11/05/2011 – 6:48pm – Posted by: swimmerfan
As a huge boxing fan I am terribly saddened at the news of Smokin’ Joe’s ill health! I am not native to Jersey but am a boxing fan from way back. Our prayers go out to Joe & his family! God Bless!!
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Sat, 11/05/2011 – 4:08pm – Posted by: ScarlettII
You are so right – he is a real gentleman. May the good Lord grant him mercy in his final days.
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Sat, 11/05/2011 – 4:04pm – Posted by: dmarvel
Awww I am really sorry to hear this. What a nice man…hope you don’t go threw to much pain Joe…your a fighter my prayers are with you and your family
Parts of this story were first published at capemaycountyherald.com
Contact Campbell at (609) 886-8600 Ext 28 or at: al.c@cmcherald.com
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
