Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali are like fire and ice; you cannot think of one without the other. These two men became permanent fixtures in one another’s lives, never truly apart. With the recent loss of Muhammad Ali, it is natural that Smokin Joe’s name comes up often. Sadly, Joe Frazier left us back in 2011, and a very ill Ali still managed to attend his funeral.
Watching these two interact over the decades brings a mix of sadness and joy. They were the best of friends and the most bitter of rivals. This tribute shows an older Joe Frazier, blended with images and video from his younger days. As always, you can expect to see Muhammad Ali in the mix.
What strikes me most watching a video like this is the reminder of our shared mortality. You see a young, strong, and tough Joe Frazier, and toward the end, though he was still going, he appears as an older, more fragile man. This is a reality we all face, no matter who we are.
Sometimes this makes me wonder: what if we could transfer our consciousness into a younger body? What if we could stay forever in our prime? It may sound like a far-off idea, but many men and women keep their wit, intelligence, and personality even as their bodies grow old. It is a poignant contrast—the essence that drives us remains, while the body that houses us changes and eventually fades.
Watching documentaries about Ali and Frazier makes me reflect on the passage of time and our place in life. If this happens to such great men, what about the rest of us? I guess all we can do is enjoy our lives and live them fully before the time comes. Make a difference where you can, and do your best. Being a Muhammad Ali or Joe Frazier in someone’s life—that is something we can all hope to be.
Just a life long New Yorker sharing the journey through my lens. Please take note of a post’s date. The views I express here are subject to change and evolving as I grow and learn.
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