George Foreman says Muhammad Ali and Smokin’ Joe Frazier loved each other – Boxing news
George Foreman, who is an American two-time former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Olympic gold medallist, author and successful entrepreneur, has insisted Smokin’ Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali did not hate each other rather they wanted to embrace each
other.
The 62-year-old Foreman, who held an outstanding record of winning 76 of his 81 professional fights, with 68 of his wins coming by the way of a knockout, didn’t attend Frazier’s funeral like Ali but he shared his thoughts with the media.
Foreman said he knew Ali and Frazier more than anyone else and he knows they both loved each other outside the world of boxing.
“Both men in hiding. Someone just had to tell the truth. Joe Frazier loved Muhammad Ali. And even in death Ali loves Joe. Forget about what they said about each (other).”
“I saw them alone, they couldn't live without the other's attention. They wanted to embrace, sing and dance when they met; but they were southern guys; The boys up north might laugh and call them more names. The science, or lack of it, in history,” he said.
The rivalry between Ali and Frazier, who died last week at the age of 67 due to advanced liver cancer, is considered as the king of all rivalries. Ali called Frazier ‘Uncle Tom’ and ‘Gorilla’ before each of their fights but later on the Champ revealed he
did all of it to develop interest and to promote the fights.
Meanwhile, Ali’s physician and corner-man for 15 years, Dr. Ferdie Pacheco, also backed Ali. Dr. Pacheco stated Ali used to play with the words in a masterful way ahead of his fights just to put his opponent under pressure and to promote his fight.
“Ali's like a schoolyard kid who made fun of everyone. Frazier didn't know how to make fun of anyone. … The only meanness was in the Philippines, where Frazier really took a tongue-lashing,” he said.
Though Muhammad Ali was considered as Joe’s biggest rival, Ali upon listening Frazier’s news remarked the world has lost a great champion and he will always remember Joe with respect.
The legendary Smokin’ Joe Frazier is now at rest at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia.
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