Watch CBS News

Plans Move Forward For Joe Frazier Statue In South Philadelphia

By Mike DeNardo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Organizers say fundraising is complete -- and a statue honoring boxing great Joe Frazier is a go.  KYW's Mike DeNardo reports.

The late boxing champ Joe Frazier is being memorialized in bronze, with an eight-foot statue outside Xfinity Live! at 11th and Pattison.  Sculptor Larry Nowlan, who created the fan-funded Harry Kalas statue at Citizens Bank Park, was selected as the artist.

"I've been a fan of Joe Frazier's for as long as I can remember.  And I think any of us kids who were growing up in the early '70s in Philadelphia feel the same way," said Nowlan.

The statue depicts Frazier, his left arm outstretched downward after landing a punch in the first Ali fight.  $160,000 was raised with the help of boxer Bernard Hopkins and the Cordish and Hand families.  The statue is expected to be unveiled this time next year.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.