Joe Frazier, the former Heavyweight Champion of the World poses for a portrait at his boxing gym on March 18, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.(credit:
Al Bello/Getty Images)
Lennox Lewis has paid tribute to boxing legend Joe Frazier following his death earlier this week.
Former undisputed world heavyweight champion Frazier, 67, died from liver cancer on Monday and his death has left the world of boxing in mourning.
Lewis, who also ruled the heavyweight ranks during his in-ring career, has joined in with the outpouring of respect for ‘Smokin’ Joe’.
Lewis told Sky Sports News: “Because of his unique style he wasn't an easy man to hit and any time he hit you with that great left hook - and that was his best punch - he would definitely take you out.
“He was a big inspiration for me because these were the first fights that people would actually wait around for the weekend to see - these epic battles. You could say they were the first fight parties.
“He was a remarkable man and very few boxers can follow in his footsteps; hopefully in the future down the line somebody will appear who will box like him, using that side-to-side head movement.
“Even Mike Tyson took a little of Joe Frazier's style because it was so unique.”
Lewis went on to discuss arguably the greatest fight of Frazier’s career, the “Thrilla in Manila” against fellow boxing icon Muhammad Ali.
Lewis added: “(Frazier) has given us some great history in the past.
“He and Muhammad Ali have got a kindred soul because without Joe Frazier you wouldn't get the ‘Thrilla In Manila' and great fights like we've had in the past.
“Joe Frazier had great heart and he showed it in his fighting ability; he was the first man who really gave you that ducking style so when Muhammad Ali threw a punch, he would already be ducking.
“Muhammad Ali described him as a man that when he was in the ring with, he could almost see death.
“There was great respect between the two great men; they admired each other and respected each other. You can't but respect each other when you've been through gruelling, epic matches like the two boxers have.”