Joe Frazier Diagnosed With Liver Cancer

67-year-old Joe Frazier a former heavyweight boxing champion was diagnosed with liver cancer four weeks ago and is currently under hospice care according to the boxers business manager.

Frazier’s manager Leslie Wolff told The Associated Press that his condition is still being studied:

“We have medical experts looking into all the options that are out there,” Wolff said. “There are very few. But that doesn’t mean we’re going to stop looking.”

Frazier began visiting doctors in October and has been examining different procedures which may increase his chance of survival, according to Wolff the former boxer began a treatment regime last week but notes that dealing with liver cancer can be tricky.

Joe is a well known figure in boxing as he was the first man to defeat Muhammad Ali during the “Fight of the Century” in 1971, he later lost two matches to the fighter including the “Thrilla in Manila.”

Frazier defended his 1970 heavyweight win against Jimmy Ellis four times before being knocked down six times in two rounds again George Foreman in 1973, he would never retain the heavyweight title again.

The former boxer looked frail when meeting with reporters at Madison Square Garden in March for the 40th anniversary of his Ali fight, according to the NY Daily News:

“Frazier, who was in frail health, came to life when he talked about reigniting his singing career. He even tossed aside his cane to do a few dance steps.”

Our best wishes go out to Joe Frazier as he deals with his battle against liver cancer.