Five great nights in Smokin’ Joe's career

July 19, 1967, Frazier v George Chuvalo

In a brutal performance of pure power, Frazier fractured George Chuvalo's orbital bone under his eye so badly that Chuvalo needed reconstructive surgery to correct the injury, after his eye had dropped into the fault line fracture.

A career ending injury for mere mortals, Chuvalo continued his amazing career post-surgery to cement his legend. Frazier was one of only two boxers to stop Chuvalo, with a 4th round TKO. The other was George Foreman. Chuvalo had 91 fights.

June 23, 1969 Frazier v Jerry Quarry

In a bout for the New York State Athletic Commission world title, then considered as a major world title, Frazier forces the stoppage between rounds seven and eight as the referee was concerned about the bad cut to Quarry's eye.

Quarry led in the early rounds in a brutal contest in which he took Frazier's best punches, but never went down. 'Ring' magazine called it Fight of the Year in 1969.

The Ali-Frazier Trilogy 1971-1975

 March 8 1971, v Muhammad Ali, New York

The first meeting of Ali and Frazier, at Madison Square Garden, New York, was not just another heavyweight title contest. It was the most momentous event since man had first walked on the moon three years earlier. The world watched. 'The Fight of the Century’ brought together the two alpha males of the heavyweight division. They were vastly contrasting characters. Ali returned after a three-and-a-half year exile following his refusal to be drafted for the Vietnam War, his boxing licence having been revoked.

In that time, Frazier had established himself as undisputed world champion. Both were unbeaten, Ali 31 fights, Frazier 26. Ali indulged himself, by mocking and ridiculing Frazier in the pre-fight hype.

Frazier reserved his venom for the ring. The Philadelphian won the contest with a unanimous points decision, fighting ferociously on the inside, unleashing devastating hooks. Ali was knocked down in the eleventh round.

 Jan 28 1974 v Ali, New York

The re-match, Ali-Frazier II, also took place at Madison Square Garden. It was a fight-off to meet George Foreman, the incumbent champion.

Frazier was less dynamic, and Ali won by unanimous decision after 15 rounds. Ali went on to meet Foreman in Zaire, famously known as the 'Rumble in the Jungle'.

Oct 1 1975 v Ali, Manila

'The Thrilla in Manila' took place in Quezon City, a suburb of the Philippine capital. The third instalment of Ali-Frazier, in the Araneta Coliseum, produced one of the most exciting battles in boxing history. The Ring Magazine declared it 'Fight of the Year'.

The rivals drew every last scintilla of effort from their drained bodies, in a war which lasted 14 rounds. Ali pummelled Frazier’s face into a mass of swellings and bruises. Eddie Futch pulled the exhausted Frazier out of the contest before the start of the final round. Ali later described his experience in that contest as “near to death”.