Born-(Died): 1944-2011
Profession: American professional boxer
Inducted: 2023
Born in Beaufort, S.C., Joseph William Frazier was a legendary American professional boxer who rose to prominence in the 1960s and '70s and was nicknamed "Smokin' Joe" for his relentless pressure in the boxing ring. Frazier became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world in 1970 and is best known for his fierce rivalry with Muhammad Ali, including the iconic "Fight of the Century" against Ali in 1971 and the "The Thrilla in Manila" in 1975.
Frazier was inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame in 1974 and the Boxing Hall of Fame in 1980.