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Family Of Late Boxing Great Joe Frazier Celebrating His Life With Party In South Philly

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Former heavyweight boxing champion, the late 'Smokin' Joe Frazier would have turned 72 today. So those who love him are throwing a birthday party in South Philadelphia in his honor.

The goal will be to honor the next generation of champions.

When Peter Lyde thinks of his father-in-law, Joe Frazier, the word that comes to mind is tough.

"When you open your dictionary where it says warrior" Lyde says, "you'll see a picture of him with a sword and a shield."

Frazier grew up in the south, but adopted Philadelphia as home. But not before he made international news fighting and beating the likes of Muhammad Ali in the fight of the century. He was a compassionate man and when he retired from the ring he trained next generation fighters at his gym until he died in 2011.

"You're here today and they forget about you tomorrow," Lyde says, "so we want to make sure that doesn't happen."

Lyde, his wife Jackie, the entire Frazier family and others are celebrating 'Smokin' Joe's Life by honoring the Imotep Charter High School championship team and others.

"Children in the community was something he was very interested in," Lyde says.

The event takes place tonight a XFINITY Live. Contact Peter Lyde for details at petesoreal@aol.com.

 

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