Jeremy Conn: R.I.P. Joe Frazier
If you've ever listened to me, you probably know that I have a huge admiration for the history of boxing. Boxing has so many great stories of rags to riches and often back to rags again. They make the best sports movies and for me it's one of my favorite things to read about.
My most cherished memory of being in radio was meeting Joe Frazier. I'm fortunate to have opportunities to meet Athletes, Celebrities, and Musicians in my line of work. The day I met Smokin' Joe caught me off guard. One of the sales associate at the station was actually a childhood friend of Joe Frazier and brought him in to give him a tour. When he brought him into the studio I turned around and said "Holy S***, its Joe Frazier!" After being utterly star struck I shook his hand and said " Holy S***, these are the hands that pieced up Ali's face." I had to apologize for my language and he just laughed it off.
I'll never forget the few moments I spent with him. A man that endured so much during his boxing career, including being call an Uncle Tom and a Guerrilla by Ali. What did he do when Ali was down and out after his problems with the government and being a draft dodger? He gave him a second chance and lost his belt back to him. One of the greatest boxers of all time, but an even better person. May he rest in peace.