Joe Frazier.

Joseph William Frazier

Born 12 Jan 1944 Beaufort, United States

Died 7 Nov 2011 Philadelphia, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 82 yr If Living

9 min read

Reading time

1,781

Words

Apr 11, 2026

Published

Film credits

TL;DR

Joe Frazier defeated Muhammad Ali in the 1971 Fight of the Century, the first boxer to do so. He reigned as undisputed heavyweight champion from 1970 to 1973, making two successful title defenses. Frazier also won a heavyweight gold medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics. His professional record stands at 32-4-1 with 27 knockouts, and he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.

Identity & family.

KIN · 4

Names, aliases, and relatives of Joe Frazier — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Native Name Joseph William Frazier

Nicknames Smokin' Joe, Billy Boy

Aliases Smokin' Joe Frazier, The Late Joe Frazier

SPOUSES: Florence Smith
CHILDREN: Jackie Frazier Lyde Marvis Frazier Derek Frazier

At a glance.

STATS

Joe Frazier by the numbers — life, work, and family.

67 Years lived

37 Film credits

1 Marriage

3 Children

Who was Joe Frazier?

BIOGRAPHY

Joe Frazier — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Eighth of eleven children, Joe Frazier started life in Beaufort, South Carolina on January 12, 1944. At 15, after a grand theft auto arrest in New York City, he moved to Philadelphia and turned to boxing. The gym’s discipline focused his aggression, and he rose through the amateur ranks to win the 1964 Olympic gold medal in Tokyo.

Career

Frazier made his professional debut in 1965 and remained undefeated for his first 29 fights. On March 8, 1971, he defeated Muhammad Ali in the Fight of the Century at Madison Square Garden to retain the heavyweight title. He lost the championship to George Foreman in 1973 in Kingston, Jamaica, but continued fighting until 1981. His last bout was a controversial 10-round draw with Floyd Cummings. Frazier also appeared as himself in the 1976 film Rocky and voiced his character on The Simpsons.

Personal life

Frazier married Florence Smith in September 1963, and they had three children: Jackie Frazier Lyde, Marvis Frazier, and Derek Frazier. His son Marvis became a title challenger, losing to Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson, while his daughter Jackie also boxed professionally. Frazier had ten siblings and was diagnosed with liver cancer on November 5, 2011, passing two days later in Philadelphia.

Legacy

The International Boxing Hall of Fame inducted Joe Frazier in 1990, and the World Boxing Hall of Fame followed the same year. The Ring Magazine named him the 8th greatest heavyweight of all time in 1998. His three-fight rivalry with Muhammad Ali, especially the 1971 Fight of the Century, set the standard for boxing greatness. Frazier’s relentless pressure and devastating left hook still influence fighters worldwide.

Filmography.

FILMS · 37

Browse the complete filmography of Joe Frazier — every film, TV show, and documentary credit, ranked by popularity.

TV

The Simpsons

1989
TV

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

1962
TV

The Mike Douglas Show

1961
TV

Wogan

1982
TV

The Jeffersons

1975
TV

The Dick Cavett Show

1968
Movie

Rocky

1976
TV

Tuesday Night Titans

1984
TV

Movin' On

1974
TV

TV Funhouse

2000
TV

Glory Days

1990
Movie

Tokyo Olympiad

1965
Movie

Facing Ali

2009
Movie

WrestleMania II

1986

Could not load more credits.

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 2

A wall of memorable lines from Joe Frazier — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

Ali Always Said I Would Be Nothing Without Him. but What Would He Have Been Without Me?
The Way I Fight, It’s Not Me Beatin’ the Man. I Make the Man Whip Himself.

Did you know?

FACTS · 21

Little-known facts about Joe Frazier — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

His only losses were to Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
He was the first man to defeat Muhammad Ali, and their first fight stands as the greatest boxing match in history.
Professional record: 32-4-1 with 27 knockouts.
Made two successful title defenses as undisputed World Heavyweight Champion.
Won a heavyweight boxing gold medal at the 1964 Olympics.
His son Marvis Frazier was a title challenger who lost to both Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson by first-round knockout.
Defeated world champions Muhammad Ali, Jimmy Ellis, and Bob Foster.
Remained undefeated in his first 29 fights.
His daughter Jackie Frazier is a professional boxer who won her first 9 fights by knockout before losing to Laila Ali.
Held the world heavyweight boxing championship from 1970 to 1973.
His son Hector fought as Joe Frazier Jr.
Diagnosed with liver cancer on November 5, 2011.
His final fight was a controversial 10-round draw with Floyd Cummings, after which he retired.
Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
His nephew Rodney Frazier was a heavyweight boxer.
Also inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990.
Inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1989.
At 15, he lived in New York City doing grand theft auto before moving to Philadelphia to box.
Has ten siblings.
Grandfather of Tamryn Frazier and Tiara Fraizer.
Named the 8th greatest heavyweight of all time by The Ring Magazine in 1998.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 42

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Joe Frazier.

When was Joe Frazier born?

Joe Frazier was born on January 12, 1944. His birth name is Joseph William Frazier.
Where was Joe Frazier born?

Joe Frazier was born in Beaufort, South Carolina, USA. He grew up as one of eleven children.
When did Joe Frazier die?

Joe Frazier died on November 7, 2011. He was 67 years old at the time of his death.
How old was Joe Frazier when he died?

Joe Frazier was 67 years old when he passed away on November 7, 2011. He had been diagnosed with liver cancer two days earlier.
Where did Joe Frazier die?

Joe Frazier died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He had lived in Philadelphia for much of his adult life.
What was the cause of Joe Frazier's death?

Joe Frazier died from liver cancer. He was diagnosed on November 5, 2011, and passed away on November 7, 2011.
What was Joe Frazier's real name?

Joe Frazier’s full birth name is Joseph William Frazier. He was also known by the nickname Smokin’ Joe.
What did Joe Frazier do for a living?

Joe Frazier was a professional boxer and later an actor and soundtrack artist. He appeared in films like Rocky and voiced himself on The Simpsons.
What nationality was Joe Frazier?

Joe Frazier was an American, born in Beaufort, South Carolina. He represented the United States at the 1964 Olympics.
What languages did Joe Frazier speak?

Joe Frazier’s native language was English. There is no record of him speaking other languages.
Who was Joe Frazier married to?

Joe Frazier was married to Florence Smith. They wed in September 1963 and later divorced in 1985.
Did Joe Frazier have children?

Yes, Joe Frazier had three children: Jackie Frazier Lyde, Marvis Frazier, and Derek Frazier. He also had sons Hector and Mark from other relationships.
What is Joe Frazier best known for?

Joe Frazier is best known for being the first boxer to defeat Muhammad Ali, in the 1971 Fight of the Century. He was also the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1970 to 1973.
How tall was Joe Frazier?

Joe Frazier was 6 feet 0 inches tall, which is about 1.82 meters. His height was average for a heavyweight boxer of his era.
What was Joe Frazier's nickname?

Joe Frazier’s most famous nickname is Smokin’ Joe, given for his relentless pressure and punching power. He was also called Billy Boy early in his career.
Did Joe Frazier have any other names?

Joe Frazier was also known as Smokin’ Joe Frazier and sometimes as The Late Joe Frazier. His birth name is Joseph William Frazier.
What was Joe Frazier's height in feet and meters?

Joe Frazier stood 6 feet tall, which converts to 1.82 meters. He was listed at 6’0 during his boxing career.
Did Joe Frazier have a role in the movie Rocky?

Yes, Joe Frazier appeared as himself in the 1976 film Rocky, starring Sylvester Stallone. He also voiced himself on The Simpsons.
How many siblings did Joe Frazier have?

Joe Frazier had ten siblings, making him one of eleven children. His father was Rubin Frazier and his mother was Dolly-Alston Frazier.
What was Joe Frazier's amateur boxing achievement?

Joe Frazier won a heavyweight gold medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. This launched his professional career.
What was Joe Frazier's professional boxing record?

Joe Frazier finished with a professional record of 32 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, with 27 wins by knockout. He was undefeated in his first 29 fights.
Who did Joe Frazier lose to in boxing?

Joe Frazier’s only losses were to Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. He lost to Ali twice and to Foreman twice, though his loss to Foreman in 1973 cost him the heavyweight title.
What was the Fight of the Century?

The Fight of the Century was Joe Frazier’s first bout against Muhammad Ali on March 8, 1971, at Madison Square Garden. Frazier won by unanimous decision, retaining the heavyweight championship.
How many times did Joe Frazier fight Muhammad Ali?

Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali fought three times. Frazier won the first, and Ali won the next two, including the Thrilla in Manila in 1975.
When did Joe Frazier become heavyweight champion?

Joe Frazier became the undisputed heavyweight champion on March 4, 1968, when he defeated Jimmy Ellis. He held the title until losing to George Foreman in 1973.
What was Joe Frazier's last boxing match?

Joe Frazier’s last fight was a 10-round draw with Floyd Cummings on December 3, 1981. He retired after that bout.
Did Joe Frazier have any children who also boxed?

Yes, his son Marvis Frazier was a title challenger, and his daughter Jackie Frazier Lyde became a professional boxer. Jackie won her first nine fights by knockout before losing to Laila Ali.
What awards did Joe Frazier receive?

Joe Frazier was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990, and the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1989.
Is Joe Frazier in the Boxing Hall of Fame?

Yes, Joe Frazier was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1990. He was also inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame the same year.
What was Joe Frazier's fighting style?

Joe Frazier fought with relentless pressure, a powerful left hook, and durability. He constantly moved forward, wearing down opponents with body punches.
Did Joe Frazier appear in The Simpsons?

Yes, Joe Frazier voiced himself in an episode of The Simpsons that aired in 1989. The show is one of his credited acting roles.
What was Joe Frazier's net worth?

There is no verified information about Joe Frazier’s net worth in the source record.
Who trained Joe Frazier?

The source record does not specify who trained Joe Frazier.
What was the Thrilla in Manila?

The Thrilla in Manila was the third fight between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali on October 1, 1975, in Quezon City, Philippines. Ali won by technical knockout after Frazier’s trainer stopped the fight.
Did Joe Frazier win a gold medal in the Olympics?

Yes, Joe Frazier won the heavyweight gold medal at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. He defeated Hans Huber of Germany in the final.
What was Joe Frazier's early life like?

Joe Frazier was born on a farm in Beaufort, South Carolina, and moved to Philadelphia as a teenager. He had a troubled youth, including a stint in New York City involved in car theft, before turning to boxing.
How many title defenses did Joe Frazier have?

Joe Frazier made two successful title defenses as the undisputed heavyweight champion. He defeated Muhammad Ali in 1971 and Terry Daniels in 1972.
Who were Joe Frazier's parents?

Joe Frazier’s parents were Dolly-Alston Frazier and Rubin Frazier. His father was a sharecropper, and his mother raised 11 children.
What movies did Joe Frazier appear in?

Joe Frazier appeared as himself in Rocky 1976 and in several TV shows including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Mike Douglas Show, and The Dick Cavett Show.
Did Joe Frazier have any grandchildren?

Yes, Joe Frazier had grandchildren including Tamryn Frazier and Tiara Fraizer. His son Marvis also has children.
What is Joe Frazier's legacy?

Fans remember Joe Frazier as one of the greatest heavyweights, especially for his epic rivalry with Muhammad Ali. The Ring Magazine named him the 8th greatest heavyweight of all time in 1998.
How did Joe Frazier get the nickname Smokin' Joe?

His aggressive, non-stop punching style earned him the nickname Smokin’ Joe. It reflected the smoke-like fury he brought into the ring.

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Published on April 11, 2026

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Joe Frazier.

TL;DR

Early life

Career

Personal life

Legacy

The Simpsons

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

The Mike Douglas Show

Wogan

The Jeffersons

The Dick Cavett Show

Rocky

Tuesday Night Titans

Movin' On

TV Funhouse

Glory Days

Tokyo Olympiad

Facing Ali

WrestleMania II