Smokin Joe

A short article from today's NY Post about Joe Frazier reminded me of boxing. It's almost non-existent today. How many kids go to school talking about who's the 'greatest'? I was a Frazier fan in the early 70s. I have only vague memories of talking to kids in the yard when Frazier beat Ali in their first fight. I remember being disappointed when Frazier lost the title to Foreman and then when Ali won the Thrilla in Manilla - not that I saw any of it live. It's another example of how boxing shot itself in the foot, putting all its best fights on pay t.v. I think the Thrilla was on regular t.v. on the following Saturday and I still watched it even though I knew who was going to win.