Smokin' Joe

[DC Amateur Boxing]

The weird thing about Ali - Frazier beef is that if you think about other sports and the individual beefs that occur, time does heal old wounds. However, most of the wounds in those cases are physical, not psychological like in the case of Ali - Frazier. It just goes to show you that mental scars go way deeper. I would have thought that with all the warring nations and groups that have sat down and reconciled - Ali and Joe would have by now too. Below are two examples of people who would have been well within their rights to still be pissed.

Rudy Tomjanovich punched by Kermit Washington (NBA). Rudy T was literally almost killed by a punch he didn't see coming and had emergency facial reconstruction. He later said "I have to wish the best for him. I don't like to see people suffer. He made a mistake and everyone deserves another chance." (Look at 1:30 of video below)
YouTube - The Kermit Washington Story - Redemption 4 of 7

Luke Witte vs. Minnesota Gophers - I just watched this recently and this guy was really f'ed up. He was knocked down only to helped up and kneed in the balls. While down and other fights breaking out, he was kicked in the face and stomped. He received 29 stitches, a lacerated cornea and was in intensive care - because they were winning. Later he said "The forgiveness is very much part of the healing process" and refused to press charges or pursue a lawsuit, but he could have easily won.
YouTube - 1972 College Basketball Brawl - Minnesota vs Ohio Buckeyes