Philly Mayor Wants Joe Frazier Statue

[Someone88]

It's about time

[AntonTheMeh]

I seem to recall that the city of Philadelphia originally wanted the "Rocky" statue removed. The filmmakers left the prop behind, perhaps thinking they were doing someone a favor (most likely themselves, since it's good for publicity). Someone must've convinced the local politicians that the statue was a good thing and they kept it.

The "Rocky" films precede Joe's death. I don't think it's insulting that the fictional character "Balboa" has a monument and he doesn't. Frazier died not too long ago and they're now making a push to honor him with a monument. I'd say everything is as it should be.

ok, that explains it.

rocky marciano's gonna get his in broxton on the 23 of this month, so i guess its not that big a deal that joe hasn't gotten his yet.
but joe was the embodiment of that city.

[ocelot]

Sure would have been nice if Joe could have been alive to appreciate this. Better late than never though.

[revs1227]

where can we donate ?

[CubanGuyNYC]

ok, that explains it.

rocky marciano's gonna get his in broxton on the 23 of this month, so i guess its not that big a deal that joe hasn't gotten his yet.
but joe was the embodiment of that city.

Really? That's news to me. Rocky's been gone 43 years. They're only now going to honor him? I suppose it's probably because Broxton is a small town with limited resources and few people.

[CubanGuyNYC]

Sure would have been nice if Joe could have been alive to appreciate this. Better late than never though.

As far as I know, it's pretty uncommon for monuments to be erected in honor of living people. The only time you usually see that is with dictators. lol Not the greatest example, but the U.S. Postal Service, for instance, only issues stamps with the likenesses of deceased people.

[fceeviper]

(Associated Press)

PHILADELPHIA -- Move over, Rocky. Make way for Smokin' Joe.

The mayor of Philadelphia kicked off a campaign Wednesday to raise money for a statue of hometown boxing great Joe Frazier, a tribute he called "long overdue."

Joined by members of Frazier's family, Mayor Michael Nutter praised the onetime heavyweight champion as a fearless, determined fighter and "a good human being" who gave back to the community. Frazier died last year of liver cancer at age 67.

"Joe Frazier fought as a Philadelphian, and now it's our turn to fight for Joe's memory by erecting a statue that captures his indomitable spirit," Nutter said.

The $150,000 fundraising goal includes money for maintenance of the memorial, which Nutter hopes to unveil by the end of 2013.

"Smokin' Joe" slugged his way to the heavyweight title in 1971 by becoming the first boxer to beat Muhammad Ali. They fought two more classic bouts, including 1975's "Thrilla in Manila." Frazier lost both rematches.

On Wednesday, his eldest daughter, Renae Frazier-Martin, spoke proudly of her father and his athletic accomplishments, noting his 1964 Olympic gold medal and professional record of 34-2-1, with 27 knockouts.

"To the world, he was Smokin' Joe Frazier ...," Frazier-Martin said. "To the city of Philadelphia, he was just Joe. He lived here, he worked here, he built here, he went to church here, he taught here, he gave here and -- don't forget -- he partied here, too."

The Frazier memorial might finally quiet critics who have long derided the city for showering more brotherly love on fictional movie fighter Rocky Balboa than on a real champion.

A "statue" of Rocky -- it's actually a movie prop left over from "Rocky 3" -- stands beside the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum.

Frazier's statue will be placed at Xfinity Live, an entertainment complex near Philadelphia's three sports stadiums. The property lies in the footprint of the now-demolished Spectrum, an arena where Frazier fought.

Jeff Snyder, development director for the complex, announced a $25,000 corporate donation Wednesday to kick-start the collections. All contributions will be managed by the city's nonprofit organization, The Fund for Philadelphia.

Separately, preservationists are seeking to save Frazier's former gym, which served as his training site and a neighborhood anchor in north Philadelphia. Frazier sold the building in 2008.

Well deserved, make it happen ppl of Phil.