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Family members recall Joe Frazier’s ‘Fight of the Century’ victory over Muhammad Ali

Joe Frazier's family remembers exactly where they were on March 8, 1971, when Frazier won one of the biggest heavyweight fights in history.

Joe Frazier connects with a left to the jaw of Muhammad Ali during the 15th round of their title bout in New York, March 8, 1971. Ali went down after the blow. Frazier kept his title on a unanimous decision.
Joe Frazier connects with a left to the jaw of Muhammad Ali during the 15th round of their title bout in New York, March 8, 1971. Ali went down after the blow. Frazier kept his title on a unanimous decision.Read moreAP

Joe Frazier is one of the best heavyweight boxers of all time, and he made one of his biggest statements on March 8, 1971.

A sold out Madison Square Garden saw Frazier box Muhammad Ali in the battle of undefeated fighters. It was billed as the “Fight of the Century” and lived up to the hype. Frazier won via unanimous decision and had a knockdown in the 15th round with his signature left hook.

Almost 50 years later during Black History Month, members of Frazier’s family recalled the historical heavyweight bout, and the legacy of Smokin’ Joe.