(Photo by Bas Slabbers for NewsWorks)
I’ve written many stories about Joe Frazier over my years in Philly. But none were as rewarding as the one I wrote Saturday, after the city finally unveiled a statue for the late heavyweight champion of the world.
Giving speeches before the unveiling were Frazier’s son Marvis, Mayor Michael Nutter, former mayor and Gov. Ed Rendell, promoter/friend Joe Hand Sr. and, among others, former Ali confidant Gene Kilroy.
“This is a statue to have your photo taken next to. You can do the one up on the Parkway, too. Do both,” Nutter said, referring to the Rocky Balboa monument near the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
“This is a real fighter, a real person,” Nutter continued, celebrating the fact that Frazier was a replacement Olympian who won gold in 1964 and went on to a legendary career in the ring. “Quite honestly, that movie, that series, could have just as easily been named ‘Joe’ and it would be the same. It would be great. It would be about somebody who actually did something in this city, in this country and in this world.”
Marvis Frazier, Smokin’ Joe’s pugilistic son, spoke of gratitude for something that most in attendance thought should have occurred long ago.
“It took a little while, but it’s here,” said Marvis Frazier. “The Frazier family says ‘thank you.'”