The world boxing community has paid tribute to legendary boxer Joe Frazier who died Monday after a brief battle with liver cancer.

Among those who led in paying tribute to Frazier are former world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and promoter Bob Arum.

“The world has lost a great champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration. My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones” – Muhammad Ali

Even his fighting style is a way of life,” Foreman wrote in his email. “When the bell rings he would not back up from King! I knocked Joe down six times. When our fight was over, Joe was on his feet looking for me. “Good night Joe Frazier. I love you dear friend” – Part of George Foreman’s message.

Boxing lost a great champion, and the sport lost a great ambassador.” – Eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao

Condolences go out to the family of the late Joe Frazier – Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

“He proved himself in the first fight to be a great, great man, and a great, great warrior. The third fight was the greatest fight in the history of boxing. The greatest fight ever. I still remember leaving the coliseum in Manila and going outside. The sun was so high in the sky beating down on us. It was almost eerie. It was unworldly what we have just seen. Two men fighting one of the great wars of all time”

“It’s something I will never forget for all the years I have left. Joe Frazier should be remembered as one of the greatest fighters of all time and a real man. He’s the guy that stood up for himself. He didn’t compromise and always give 100 percent in the ring.There was never a fight in the ring where Joe didn’t give 100 percent.” -promoter Bob Arum

In his Twitter message, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. said his team will pay for Joe Frazier’s funeral services.

The family of the former heavyweight champion issued the following statements on the death iof the legendary boxer from Philadelphia.

“We the family of the 1964 Olympic boxing heavyweight gold medalist, former heavyweight boxing champion and International Boxing Hall of Fame member Smokin’ Joe Frazer, regrets to inform you of his passing. He transition for this life as “One of God’s Men” on the eve of November 7 2011 at his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.”

“We thank you for your prayers for our father and vast outpouring of love and support. Respectfully, we request time to grieve as a family. Our father’s home going celebration will be announced as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.”

Frazier is best remembered for his fight with Muhammad Ali dubbed “Thrilla in Manila” at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines way back in 1975.

- By Leo Reyes of mp8.ph
(mp8.ph is one of BJPENN.COM’s alliance members and provider of up to the date boxing news and home to boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao)

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