Former world heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, the first man to beat Muhammad Ali in one of their three epic battles in the 1970s, died yesterday. Frazier was 67.

Frazier died in Philadelphia a few weeks after being diagnosed with liver cancer, his family confirmed.

First reports about his serious condition had surfaced on the weekend and Ali led the tributes early today by saying that “the world has lost a great champion”.

“Smokin’ Joe” Frazier won Olympic gold in 1964 and claimed the world heavweight title in 1970 over holder Ali.

Ali was stripped of the title in 1967 for his refusal to fight in the Vietnam War in connection with his Muslim belief, but was reinstated in 1971 to set up the trilogy of fights with Frazier which

are among the most famous in the sport’s history.

The two met for the first time 1971 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The hyped title fight fully lived up to its billing of “Fight of the Century”, with Frazier flooring Ali in the 15th round en route to a unanimous points decision and Ali’s first defeat.

Frazier lost the world title 1973 to George Foreman in Jamaica for his first career defeat, and the second bout with Ali 1974 in points, again at Madison Square Garden.

Their final fight, another title bout after Ali had beaten Foreman, was the “Thrilla in Manila” in the Philippines capital. That epic was stopped by Frazier’s camp after the 14th round.

Frazier later lost again to Foreman the next year, but is mostly remembered for his bouts with Ali. He retired in 1976, returned for one fight in 1981 and ended his career with a 32-4-1 record, his only defeats coming against Ali and Foreman.

The boxers’ relationship outside the ring was bitter at times, with the charismatic Ali taunting the down-to-earth Frazier, born as one of 12 children in rural segregated North Carolina, on various

occasions.

Frazier later said he no more hard feelings against Ali, and Ali was among the first early today to issue a statement after Frazier’s death.

“The world has lost a great champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration. My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones,” Ali said.

- dpa