Smokin' Joe Frazier

This undated file photo shows boxer Joe Frazier seated in the corner of the ring. Frazier died Nov. 7, 2011, after a brief battle with liver cancer at the age of 67. Frazier _ quiet and workmanlike amid the din and commotion that was Muhammad Ali _ in 1971 became the first to beat "The Greatest." In their third fight, the epic "Thrilla in Manila," Frazier's corner held him back for the last round. (AP Photo/File)

There's the "Fight of the Century," Frazier's first bout with Muhammad Ali. The massively hyped fight packed Madison Square Garden and brought on riots at satellite viewing locations. Defending champion Frazier came out on top after 10 brutal rounds.

Just as exciting was Frazier's famed first fight against George Foreman. Frazier was defending his World Heavyweight Championship… but he lost to the then-undefeated Foreman.

Then, of course, there's the "Thrilla in Manila." Equally hyped, it was the final fight between Frazier and Ali – and in some ways, it was as much about politics and personality as it was about boxing prowess. This time, Ali won.

But before all those world-famous bouts, before Frazier became "Smokin' Joe" and gained world fame, Joe Frazier was an Olympian. Frazier was sent to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics as a replacement for heavyweight Buster Mathis, who had injured himself. Frazier distinguished himself quickly, knocking out his early competitors with ease.

In the semifinal against Russian Vadim Yemelyanov, Frazier broke a thumb in the second round… but he still managed to knock out his competitor. With no more medical assistance than soaking the thumb in Epsom salts, Frazier went on to win the final. The gold medal was his.

Written by Linnea Crowther