Frazier statue finds new life 2 years after death

PHILADELPHIA — Joe Frazier's statue has found new life on the two-year anniversary of the former heavyweight champion's death.

Frazier's statue was set to be erected by spring 2014 at an entertainment complex near Philadelphia's three sports stadiums near the now-demolished Spectrum, an arena where he fought.

Plans to place the Frazier tribute in the same complex that is already home to the statues of NBA great Julius Erving and the Stanley Cup champion Broad Street Bullies were sidetracked when the sculptor commissioned by a city panel to create the statue, Lawrence J. Nowlan, died in August.

Philadelphia sculptor Stephen Lane has picked the project off the mat and was selected to create a piece that should be finished by the end of next year.

Frazier died on Nov. 7, 2011 after a brief battle with liver cancer at the age of 67.

Philly boxer Bernard Hopkins was among the prominent boosters who helped the city reach its $150,000 fundraising goal for the statue.

"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.

Lane is set to get started on the 9-foot (2.7-meter) statue he based off a photo of Frazier's knockdown of Ali.

"He just threw that Philly left hook and knocked Ali down," Lane said on Thursday. "That's the moment I thought was quintessential Joe. It was the big deal of his career."

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.

Weatta Collins, Frazier's daughter, was glad her father's statue would serve as a permanent reminder of all he did for the city and boxing.

"As long as people remember him," she said, "that would be a blessing. We're pretty grateful."