Frazier won Olympic Gold in 1964 in the Heavyweight division and methodically worked his way up the rankings. In 1970, Frazier defeated Jimmy Ellis for the Heavyweight Title, but to many, he was only the real champion once he defeated Muhammad Ali. Frazier did just that, winning a unanimous decision over Ali in Madison Square Garden. He lost his belt to George Foreman and was bested by Ali in a rematch.
Once Ali regained the championship, Frazier received a title shot in the fabled “Thrilla in Manilla” but, again, came up short. Frazier never regained the heavyweight strap, but his legendary fights defined a generation.
We are proud to nominate Joe Frazier for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.