Smokin' Joe Statue in the Works

Estate plans to erect statue of legendary boxer in South Philly

Plans are in the works to erect a statue honoring late heavyweight boxing champ Joe Frazier in his hometown of Philadelphia.

Representatives of Frazier's estate tell The Philadelphia Inquirer plans are being laid for a statue at the South Philadelphia sports complex that would be unveiled next year.

Frazier died in November at the age of 67 after battling liver cancer.

Born in South Carolina, Frazier moved north as a teen to train as a boxer. He went on to win an Olympic gold medal and defeat Muhammad Ali in the “Fight of the Century” to capture the heavyweight championship in 1971.

Estate spokesman Richard Hayden says a website, frazierstatue.com, will go live Friday to provide information and solicit donations.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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