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Philly Renames Road After Legendary Boxer Smokin' Joe Frazier

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and other city dignitaries were joined by boxing legends Larry Holmes and Bernard Hopkins at the event

It’s been 46 years since Philadelphia boxer 'Smokin’ Joe' Frazier defeated Muhammad Ali in Madison Square Garden during the “Fight of the Century.”

The city honored its favorite non-fictional boxing son with his own street Wednesday.

Just days after Sylvester Stallone returned to the famous Rocky Balboa statue, the city of Philadelphia is memorializing Frazier by renaming the street where his old training gym can be found. Frazier already has a statue in South Philly.

Glenwood Avenue at Broad Street was rechristened as Smokin' Joe Frazier Boulevard at noon. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and other city dignitaries were joined by boxing legends Larry Holmes and Bernard Hopkins at the event.

Frazier was the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1970 to 1973. He won a gold medal at the 1964 Olympics. He was 32-4-1 over his professional career with his only losses coming to Ali, in two rematches, and George Foreman twice.

Frazier died in Philadelphia at age 67 in 2011.

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