“Smokin’ Joe” in Hospice Care

Ex-heavyweight champ Joe Frazier, 67, is under hospice care battling his final days against liver cancer. On Sunday, many online obituaries had prematurely announced the passing of the beloved slugger but as of Monday morning, “Smokin’ Joe” is said to be still fighting while in the hospice.

As reports hit the internet and inside boxing circles a few days ago that the legendary fighter from South Carolina was gravely ill, I caught up with someone who knows both Joe and his manager Les Wolff for a few years now. The World Boxing Council’s (WBC) and NABF’s Jill Diamond is one who has worked alongside the heavyweight through the organization’s World Boxing Cares (WBCares) program benefiting at-risk and underprivileged children around the world. And as of this morning, she says Frazier is still bravely hanging on even as hope may be subsiding.

“I just spoke to manager, Les Wolff. He’s still hanging in,” is the latest update I received from Jill, “but he is very ill.”

While the Olympian champion and former world titlist is known for his classic wars versus Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Jerry Quarry, George Chuvalo and so many others, there was also a “softer” side of the man. Diamond had a chance to see that side of the Hall of Fame puncher who retired from the ring in 1981.

My amiga Jill Diamond is known for her own caring ways, always handling herself with class and dignity in a sport that is often bereft of these same qualities. The WBC Chairperson and WBC “Woman of the Year” 2010 travels around the globe assisting impoverished neighborhoods hoping to encourage and inspire kids in need.

Frazier, half of the legendary “Thrilla in Manila” war, often joined Jose Sulaiman and Mauricio Sulaiman’s famed organization in giving back to others.

Jill relays some of these memories to me.

“I have been close to Joe and his manager, Les Wolff, for a few years. He just honored WBC Cares by joining us at the Philly Boys & Girls Club where he gave demonstrations to the delighted children,” remembers Diamond. “It was his birthday, so they had a cake made for him which showed him in the ring. He sang ‘Happy Birthday’ with them and blew out the candles. We had a good time.”

Frazier (32-4-1, 27 KOs) was awarded with a special WBC “Gentleman of the Ring” award during the festivities. He was a hero to many generations of youth and will continue to inspire for years to come.

Now his passing is imminent.

As time passes by all of us in a blink of an eye, Jill agrees how time catches up with us.

After recently seeing her boxing pal at the children’s event, Diamond shares her thoughts.

“It wasn’t that long ago, but now… well, we’re all so fragile,” she says.

“Smokin’ Joe” Frazier will be remembered for many things.

A beast in the ring; a gentleman outside the ropes.

“Joe seems like a complicated man with a simple take on life,” Jill agrees. “He still has some personal pain revolving around the fights with Ali — it’s easy to understand.”

I do remember seeing a bittersweet and poignant “Thrilla in Manila” documentary that aired a couple of years ago where I heard Frazier vocalizing his ring demons of past decades. But he also had many passions outside of the squared circle. In a glimpse of the man behind the gloves, his close associates say he had varied interests and passions.

“His music is still important to him. He was working on reviving his group when he became ill,” shares Diamond. “And despite the ravages of time–the cane and the difficulties walking–his attitude presented him tall and powerful. Thankfully, he has Les and the rest of the people around him who love and support him.”

Take a look at another side of the heavyweight prizefighter.

In these photos courtesy of the WBCares Chairwoman, Frazier is at the Philadelphia kids’ event and also a fashion show event with the Retired Boxers Foundation. In checking out the pics and a quick video piece, I see an ebullient Smokin’ Joe visiting with the children alongside Jill Diamond and also proudly joining fellow boxers Ken Norton and Lucia Rijker.

My pal Jill sums up what the boxing world and beyond are thinking.

“He’s the one and only “Smokin'” Joe Frazier,” she states. “There will never be another one like him.”

“Chatter Box” readers, please join me in keeping Joe Frazier and his family in all of our thoughts and prayers while he battles this deadly disease.

Once a champ, always a champ.

Photos courtesy of Jill Diamond