Boxing Legend Joe Frazier Dies At 67

"Smokin'" Joe Frazier, Olympic and World Heavyweight boxing champion died Monday of liver cancer. He was 67.

His death was announced in a statement by his family, who said they would announce "our father's homecoming celebration" as soon as possible.

Frazier is known for being the first boxer to beat Muhammad Ali in 1971 at what was called the "Fight of the Century" in Madison Square Garden.  They fought three times, twice in New York City and once in the action-filled, 15-round "Thrilla in Manila" in the Philippines.  The fight ended when trainer Eddie Futch had to hold back Frazier, who could not see, as Ali won while sitting on his stool, exhausted.

 "I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration," said Ali. "My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones."

Frazier publicly expressed animosity towards Ali, who called Frazier names when promoting all three fights.  In recent years, Frazier was able to overcome any ill will towards Ali, who now suffers from Parkinson's disease.

"As a young fighter it has always been an honor to be compared" to Frazier, said former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson on Twitter.

"Boxing lost a great champion, and the sport lost a great ambassador," said Manny Pacquiao.

Frazier was the heavyweight champion for four fights, including the win over Ali, before he was defeated by George Foreman  in Jamaica in 1973.

Frazier was born to a family of sharecroppers in Beaufort, S.C., on Jan. 12, 1944.  He was a top amateur for several years, and was the only American fighter to win a gold medal in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo despite fighting with an injured left thumb.

He had financial trouble in his later years and ran a gym in Philadelphia.  Mayor Michael Nutter said Frazier "represented the heart and soul of boxing in our great city. In the ring and in the neighborhoods, he carried himself with dignity and courage. He was a true ambassador for our city."

Watch the last three rounds of the "Fight of the Century:"