Joe Frazier ends 33-year feud with Muhammad Ali

Jun 22 2008

FORMER heavyweight boxing champ Joe Frazier yesterday called a truce in his 33-year feud with arch rival Muhammad Ali.

The fighter, nicknamed Smokin' Joe, fell out with The Greatest during their historic three-fight trilogy in the 70s.

Wise-cracking Ali dubbed his opponent "The Gorilla" before they fought the "Thrilla In Manila" in the Philippines in 1975.

Frazier accused him of disrespect and claimed his children had been ridiculed at school.

Now Joe - who visits Scotland in September on an after-dinner speaking tour - says it's time to forgive and forget.

He is saddened that Ali - who suffers from Parkinson's Syndrome - is a shadow of his former self.

Joe said: "We're not enemies any more. I love him - I hope he feels the same."