If 'Smokin Joe' Frazier Retired In 1972

[Bill Paxtom]

Actually,

March 8, 1971 ................ Fight of the Century

Late-April 1971 .............. Joe Frazier was preparing with his Musical Revue

May 2, 1971 .................. Joe Frazier and the Knockouts perform at the Winterland Theatre in San Francisco

May 16, 1971 ................ Joe Frazier and his Musical Revue hit the road........ and arrive in Europe.

http://www.stripes.com/polopoly_fs/1...2006036290.jpg

Joe Frazier was more than capable of fighting {and defeating} Jimmy Ellis in August 1971.
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May 1971

Joe Frazier

"Everybody asks me if I'm too worn out to fight again. Look, I go 45-Minutes non-stop when I'm up on stage. And with no breaks or
rests. Sometimes 2-Shows per Night. My weight is at 208 lbs., and my legs are as strong as ever with all the moves I make up on stage.
Give me 3-Weeks in the Gym, and I'll be able to take on King Kong."

"I will be ready to fight anyone in 3-Months. I'll fight Clay {Muhammad Ali] again if he wants another fight. I beat him once, and I'll beat him again.
On George Foreman, it's too early for him. I'll take him on if wants to challenge me, but he would be wise to have another 6-Fights to get more
experience. Oscar Bonavena wants another fight, but I have fought him twice. I'm not sure the public wants a third fight."

"I want take on Jimmy Ellis again, maybe at the end of August 1971. He's ranked as the #2 WBA Heavyweight, and he looked good in beating {KO 10}
#10 WBA-ranked Tony Doyle down in Miami. He's fighting George Chuvalo on May 10th, and if he looks good then I'll definitely offer him
another opportunity with me."