Joe Frazier in his prime was a ferocious fighter

When you mention the name ‘Smokin’ Joe Frazier it conjures up images of a ferocious heavyweight that steamrolled opponents with a left hook from the heavens but today’s 67-year-old version is fighting a very different fight, against advanced liver cancer.

“He’s in serious shape, we’re looking for a miracle,’’ said a source close to the former heavyweight champ. “They’re only giving him a short time to live. We need to have as many people as possible praying for Joe right now.’’

It’s incredibly sad news about the man who took Muhammad Ali to what he described as the brink of death during the first of their three brutal bouts but Frazier will always be known as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.

Many people believe that both Ali and Frazier were never the same following their trilogy culminating in ’73 in the famous Thriller In Manilla title fight, but Frazier has always stayed in the sport and is known the World over for being a good man and a great ambassador for the sport.

He finished with an impressive 32-4,1, 17KO record, holding the World heavyweight title before losing it to Foreman and also won an Olympic gold  medal in 1964. That’s a true reflection of how great a fighter ‘Smokin’ Joe really was.

“Joe is one of the sweetest guys you could ever meet,’’ a friend told The Post. “Sometimes we’d be driving down the highway and see a car broken down and we would have to go out and help somebody. That’s Joe Frazier.’’

“Joe needs everyone’s prayers at this time,’’ said the friend.

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