Hall of Fame boxer Joe Frazier views Philadelphia as his adopted hometown. But that won’t stop his birth state of South Carolina from honoring the former heavyweight champion today (September 27) with its highest civilian honor.
Governor Mark Sanford bestowed Frazier with the Order of the Palmetto, the most prestigious award South Carolina can give to a civilian. Created in 1971, the honor recognizes outstanding achievements of South Carolina natives. Past recipients have normally been affluent individuals in the sectors of business and politics.
The youngest of 11 children, Frazier was born in 1944 and raised in Beaufort County’s Laurel Bay section. As a teenager, he realized that the racism of his environment would prevent him from developing into a championship fighter. Although he still holds his birthplace in high esteem, Frazier knew he had to leave in order to have a shot at greatness.
“I’ve always loved my hometown despite the bigotry and prejudice I experienced growing up,” Frazier told The State. “We’ve come a long way… I’m just so sorry I couldn’t grow and be a champion down there in Beaufort.”
Frazier relocated to Philadelphia in 1960. Under the tutelage of Yancey “Yank” Durham, Frazier made the U.S. Olympic boxing team in 1964. He would be the only fighter to bring home a gold medal, and turned pro the following year.
With a lethal, whipping left hook and relentless pressure behind a bob and weave defense, Frazier climbed the rankings and won the heavyweight title in 1970 against Jimmy Ellis. The following year, he would become the first man to defeat Muhammad Ali in the famous Fight of the Century at Madison Square Garden. The two bitter rivals would stage two more fights in 1974 and 1975, both won by Ali.
The nomination for the Order of the Palmetto award came from a Beaufort resident named John Trask III, who began correspondence with Frazier a few years ago to organize a boxing event in their hometown. Trask tells The State that Frazier still doesn’t get the recognition he deserves for his career. He also commends Frazier for the personal dignity he still retains after enduring racial taunts such as “Uncle Tom” and the “white man’s champion” from Muhammad Ali.
As champion, Frazier made four title defenses from 1970-1973. He retired in 1981 with a record of 32-4 with 27 KOs.
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Bravo, South Carolina! Joe Frazier hasn’t talked extensively about his birthplace in recent years, so it’s great to see this part of his life being celebrated.
Too often, we shower people with praise after their eyes have closed for the final time. I’m a big proponent of showing that love to people when they’re still alive to appreciate it.
Unfortunately for Frazier, the specter of Ali will always be a double-edged sword. The feud defined Frazier’s fighting spirit, and earned him arguably the best win in heavyweight boxing history. On the flip side, it marks a painful period where his integrity and worth as a man were unfairly ridiculed and scorned.
But today, Joe Frazier can put those memories to rest. Today we celebrate Frazier’s achievements and how he succeeded despite all the odds stacked against him.
Well done, Smokin’ Joe.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 