Joe Frazier Death: How Smokin' Joe Will Always Be Inspiration for Boxing

Joe Frazier was more than a legendary fighter.

He was a symbol of giving it your all and never letting up until the final bell.

And so, when the 67-year-old legend passed away on Monday night to liver cancer, it was almost hard to believe.

This is man battled the greatest boxers back in the day, including Muhammad Ali. His fights against Ali were legendary, brutalizing affairs that ultimately took their toll on both fighters. He stood toe-to-toe with Ali down the stretch, despite suffering numerous blows that would drop even the most hardened fighters to their knees.

He had to be pulled by trainer Eddie Futch after the 14th round of "Thrilla in Manila," despite insisting he was good to go. In that fight, Ali said he came the closest to death he'd ever been.

Frazier will always be remembered as one of the true warriors of the sport, with one of the biggest hearts and biggest chins boxing has ever known. He was so much more than a boxer. He embodied the spirit of never-say-die.

He was Smokin' Joe, a virtually indestructible force who powered past his opponents to the tune of a 32-4-1 career record. In addition to his spectacular fights against Ali, he had several memorable fights, including against Jimmy Ellis and in the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, in which he won the gold medal despite injuring his left hand.

He had a ferocious left hook, but was an even more ferocious competitor. Fight fans will always remember him inside the ring, but for the rest of America it was his will and determination that transcended the final outcome when the bell rung.

Frazier will stand as more than a great boxer.

He will stand as a man whose work ethic and determination we can all admire.