Joe Frazier Statue Heading To Philly
Joe Frazier is one of the most accomplished boxer to come out of Philadelphia, but he isn’t the fighter with a statue on the steps of the Art Museum. That honor belongs to Rocky, the fictional character from the popular Sylvester Stallone movie. But now, nearly a year after Frazier’s death, his hometown is finally getting around to giving him the honor that he deserves.
A statue honoring Joe Frazier is being planned by the city of Philadelphia.
Stan Hochman, a sportswriter in Philly, told the NY Times:
“There’s a statue of Rocky, a movie prop, at the Art Museum, but nothing to honor a legitimate heavyweight champion who came out of Philadelphia.”
Philly.com reports that the Joe Frazier statue will be unveiled by 2013. An official announcement is scheduled next week and a website, Frazierstatue.com, will go live on Friday to solicit donations. Richard Hayden, who is representing Frazier’s estate, said that the Frazier statue will be located near the Xfinity Live! complex in South Philadelphia.
After Frazier’s death, several people complained that Philly had a statue of Rocky but not one of Frazier.
Rev. Jesse Jackson said:
“Rocky is fictitious. Joe was reality. Rocky’s fists are frozen in stone. Joe’s fists were smokin’.”
Philly.com notes that the Rocky statue wasn’t commissioned by the city of Philadelphia. It was left as a gift by Sylvester Stallone after the movie became a success.
Tags : frazier statue, Joe Frazier, joe frazier philly, joe frazier statue
Posted: September 5, 2012
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Sep 5, 2012
A statue of Joe Frazier is headed to the great city of Philadelphia? The city that was too GOOD and too POMPOUS to erect a statue of the GREAT Smokin' Joe Frazier, Heavyweight Champion of the World way back in 1971? Smokin' Joe Frazier was a REAL CHAMPION! not some movie screen wannabe! Rocky Balboa would've lasted as long as it took Smokin' Joe to land one single left hook! You missed the boat, Philly.
Sep 5, 2012
funny thing about that Rocky statue. It was placed there for Rocky III, and then after they left, the production company left the statue at the top of the steps. And didn't ask the City about it. After awhile, the City called 'em back and said "hey, BTW, when are you coming to get your statue?" Uh, it's a present. The City didn't want it. I guess they worked out some deal, and that's why it was moved to where it is now. But, the City didn't want it in the first place, and the Rocky crew just kinda left it there.
Sep 5, 2012
They suck! They should've had a statue for Joe Frazier years ago. NOW…they put up a statue after he's gone. Totally classless!! Phuck Philly. RIP Smokin' Joe.