A Tribute to Joe Frazier
By George Foreman

The One And Only Joe Frazier

The term "one and only" has been widely used to introduce a many celebrity, athlete and politician. Generally they've appeared in print, TV or movies.

With most of these folks (one and only) is the last definition they deserve, because you see them at home, at work in the TV, Campaigning, visiting the poor; in the presence of the rich and famous.
You might see a different person; One hello for the rich, a goodby for the poor. Even a special hand shake for the haves and the have nots.

But this has never been the case with Smoking Joe Frazier. Truly the one and only. If you were his friend, you got no more than the stranger. "Jam Bugger" the highest compliment and form of praise, from Smoking Joe.

Joe Frazier, for me, was the first Champion I followed and studied. I wanted to fight him, one day, I looked for weakness: Anyone who treated big shots Big And the little person small, was a plastic person. This kind of person would melt when the going got rough.

With Joe: ( first time we met) I extended my hand to shake his; he held back his hand and said "George meet my wife" after I greeted his Mrs. He then said hello and nice to meet you George, with a firm hand shake. Nothing weak in his game. Everyone was the same. This scared me.

Joe Frazier had journeyed from the Southern part of the USA, worked hard to provide for his wife and children; making sure they'd have a better life than the one he found so hard. They would get a good education, and a chance to take part in the American dream. Which meant No bowing down to any man, woman or child. Church and service to Almighty God, would be first in the family's life. Preaching to your kids is one thing, but example was another. His very fighting stile was his way of life. When the bell rings. He would not back up from King Kong! I know, I knocked Joe down six time; when our fight was over, Joe was on his feet looking for me.

When the world changed: Joe Frazier had no respecter of persons. If you were a man, you got a hand shake, all women would get a personal "yes mam." It didn't matter the color of your skin; if you wanted to be friends, you could. You preferred not. Joe was willing to slam down anywhere, then a hand shake after.

The new world brought new names; Like ghetto; soul brother, Tom. Joe has been called them all. But just like the old Southern term "Boy." Joe did not box around it,and has not side step any; but met them head on. With words like "Boogie," And a song and dance.

Yes, when his fellow man had mean, a hurtful names for him, Joe got his band together and toured the world singing and dancing the Joe Frazier story. The world knows Joe Frazier, did it his way.

Talk about Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, Even me ( George Foreman) but the fact is:
There is only one Smoking Joe.
"The One and Only Joe Frazier."

-George Foreman