Joe Frazier in the 1980s

[yancey]

In my opinion,

Joe Frazier was a 'better' fighter during 1968 thru 1970, as he was quicker in the ring. But his 'prime'
could be considered from 1968 thru 1973, if you use the '5-Year Formula' (Age 24 thru 29).

As for Michael Dokes dropping Joe, the knockdowns never produced a knockout, just flash knockdowns,
as a result of a quick crisp punches on a poorly balanced Joe.

Joe was never the same, after he fractured his right ankle in April 1970 (Age 26).

Il Duce,

You do know quite a bit about my favorite fighter.

I have long maintained that Joe's very short peak was actually in that '68-'70 time period. I think he definitely lacked a bit of quickness he had against Quarry in '69 when he fought Ali in '71. Always thought that motorcycle accident might have had a bit to do with it.

Post-FOTC, I think there was a clear drop off from the '68-'70 form. I really think Frazier lost his "joy of combat" mentality after conquering Ali and instead looked at boxing more from a business, means to an end standpoint.

[SaadOffTheDeck]

I met him once and he didn't have the handshake of a man that Michael Dokes would treat like a yo-yo. Luckily Joe was better in 85 when he salvaged a draw.

[yancey]

Friday - April 3, 1970

'Joe Frazier Breaks Ankle, Sets Back Bob Foster Title Bout'

Heavyweight Champion will have to postpone his June date with Bob Foster, that
was scheduled to take place at the Houston Astrodome.

The Champ broke his right ankle Thursday Night at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas,
when he was performing during his 10:00 PM opening show. Frazier who has a song
and dance act with his band The Knockouts, attempted a James Brown-type move of
jumping and spinning, and then performing a split. Unfortunately, the Champ
threw his bulk the wrong way and he came down hard on his right ankle, causing
him to fall to the floor. Frazier did complete the show, and afterwards had his
swollen ankle wrapped.

Frazier even came back at 2:00 AM to perform in his second show. But following the
early moring performance, Joe was brought to the Southern Nevada Memorial Hospital
where it was determined that he did indeed, fracture his ankle. The Champ will be in a
cast for about 6-Weeks, and it is doubtful whether the bout with Bob Foster will go on
as scheduled.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q= ... XJI4SdO1sQ

Somehow I had it in my mind that Joe broke his ankle back in '70 from fooling around on his bike.

Also didn't know the Foster fight was originally scheduled for the Astrodome.