Overview
- The Joe Frazier statue, which was officially unveiled Monday, was moved last week to the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps to occupy the spot vacated by a Rocky Balboa statue.
- Sculpted by Stephen Layne and first installed at a South Philadelphia sports complex in 2015, the bronze will remain at the museum steps in perpetuity as the city’s chosen public tribute.
- The statue’s pose references Frazier’s signature left hook, the punch that floored Muhammad Ali in their 1971 'Fight of the Century,' linking the work to a defining moment in his career.
- Mayor Cherelle L. Parker led the unveiling alongside Frazier’s family, former fighters and city leaders, and officials said a granite base, interpretive panels and a capital campaign to restore Frazier’s old gym are planned.
- Frazier was a 1964 Olympic gold medalist who held the heavyweight title from 1970 to 1973 and became the first pro to beat Muhammad Ali in 1971, and the statue’s new, tourist-facing placement aims to cement his local and national legacy.