Sparring with Smokin' Joe : Joe Frazier's epic battles and rivalry with Ali
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references (pages 213-223) and index.

"This book aims to rectify the imbalance in coverage between Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali just in time for the 50th anniversary of The Fight of the Century. It is based on several months the author spent in the gym, on the road, and in verbal tussles with the legendary champion and gives new insight into Frazier"--,Provided by publisher.

Just in time for the fiftieth anniversary of the Fight of the Century (AliFrazier I), Sparring with Smokin Joe provides a penetrating, at times brutally candid, look at legendary champion Joe Frazier. Glenn Lewis spent several months in the gym, on the road, and in verbal tussles with Frazier in 1980, when Frazier was at a crossroads in his life and career. Lewis recounts Fraziers candid takes on his still-recent Hall-of-Fame career, wars with Ali, and hard-scrabble roots. Frazier also reflects on Alis upcoming comeback fight against Larry Holmes, his own possible return to the ring, preparing his son Marvis for a pro boxing debut, and the impact of racial tensions and cultural upheaval on his fighting legacy. Sparring with Smokin Joe reveals compelling, never-before-heard anecdotes that give new insight into the usually private Frazier, including how Alis verbal attacks on Frazier alienated him from his own people and continued to trouble him long after retiring from the ring. An intimate portrait of a legendary fighter, Sparring with Smokin Joe finally shares Fraziers side of an unforgettable rivalry.