Smokin' Joe Frazier Signed Business Card

World Heavyweight Boxing Champ

1964 Olympic Gold Medalist

Joe Frazier Lot Including His Signed Business Card

"Smokin" Joe" Frazier, well known by his nickname, was born in Beaufort, South Carolina on January 12, 1944. He died at age 67 on November 7, 2011, at Philadelphia, Pa., and is interred at Ivy Hill Cemetery.

He won the gold medal in the heavyweight boxing division at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

Frazier turned pro in 1965, with his trainer Yancey "Yank" Durham at his side. Known for his strength, durability, and formidable left hand, and the relentless pressure fighting style he put on his opponents. In 1971, Frazier became the first boxer to ever defeat Ali, with a unanimous decision in the highly anticipated "Fight of the Century." at Madison Square Garden, and he was the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1970 to 1973. Two years later, he lost his title to George Foreman. Frazier's last world-title challenge came in 1975, when he was beaten by Ali in a brutal rubber match, known as the "Thrilla in Manila." He retired in 1976 after a second loss to Foreman but made a comeback in 1981, before retiring for good with a record of 32 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. 27 of Frazier's 32 wins were by knockout. The International Boxing Research Organization rates Frazier to be one of the ten greatest heavyweights of all time.

Ring magazine named him "Fighter of the Year" in 1967, 1970, and 1971, and the Boxing Writers Association of America named him Fighter of the Year in 1969, 1971, and 1975. Ring magazine ranked him the eighth greatest heavyweight of all time. He is an inductee of both the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame, having been a part of the inaugural induction class of 1990.

His style was often compared with that of Henry Armstrong and occasionally Rocky Marciano and was dependent on bobbing, weaving, and relentless pressure to wear down his opponents. His best-known punch was a powerful left hook, which accounted for most of his knockouts. In his career, he lost to only two fighters, both former Olympic and world heavyweight champions: twice to Muhammad Ali, and twice to George Foreman.

Frazier was diagnosed with liver cancer in late September 2011. By November 2011, he was under hospice care in Philadelphia, where he died on November 7th at the age of 67. Upon hearing of Frazier's death, Muhammad Ali said, "The world has lost a great champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration."

Joe Frazier Lot Including His Autograph: Includes a 3 1/2 x 2 1/4, imprinted business card. Imprinted on the front of the card is their telephone number at the upper left, 215-221-0444. Below that at the center is, ' SMOKIN' JOE FRAZIER & SON'S LIMOUSINE SERVICE, INC. 2917 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19132. Prestigious service available for weddings and other occasions when luxury is a must. Rolls Royce Phantom V Limousine and Cadillac's Available. The card is very nicely signed on the reverse in blue ball point pen, Joe Frazier. Also included are a pair of 1983 Olympic related boxing trading cards featuring a beautiful black and white photo of Frazier with raised fist on the front of the cards and descriptive text on the reverse.
The grouping also comes with a limited edition color art card done by Edward Vela featuring Muhammed Ali, and Joe Frazier boxing in the ring. This is card 10 of only 50 made, and is signed by Edward Villa in blue ink on the reverse.