>He will be remembered especially for his epic battles with Muhammad Ali. The two are inextricably linked. The first time they met in the ring was, I don't think it's an exaggeration to say, the most anticipated boxing match in history. Both were unbeaten. Frazier was the reigning champ and Ali, the former unbeaten champ, was back from his banishment for refusing to fight in Vietnam. "I ain't got nothing against them Viet Congs," he said. They were completely different in every way other than being great boxers. Frazier the straight ahead banger, a man of few words. Ali the dancer, a man of many words, a torrent of them, no off button. A peacock. "Can you believe how pretty I am?" we would say, only half in jest.

If I am entirely honest, the first thing coming to mind is his devastating loss against Foreman after having beaten Ali.
Ali then winning after "rope a dope" was expected - the first match I had no idea what would happen,
but remember as it took place on my birthday - was in switzerland skiing that time...
But yes, I was surprised how much punishment Joe took in manila.