Boxing great Joe Frazier died Monday after a battle with liver cancer. He was 67.
The fighter will forever be associated with Muhammad Ali, who he defeated for the first time in the legend's career (taking him down in March 1971), and who fought him two additional times in what became a storied sports rivalry.
For better or worse, Joe Frazier is forever linked to his biggest competitor.
Joe Frazier (right) takes it to Muhammad Ali.
"That was the greatest thing that ever happened in my life," Frazier said of beating Ali, but that biggest night was one that would never come again.
Ali successfully avenged his loss with a win over Frazier in 1974 at MSG, then bested him again a year later in the famed "Thrilla in Manila" bout.
Joe Frazier was a relentless, undersized heavyweight who nevertheless ruled the division as champion, even if Ali's shadow later loomed over him.
"I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration," Ali said in a statement. "My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones."
Follow this link for a longer look at Joe's life and career ...