World Boxing News reflects on heavyweight legend Joe Frazier’s fantastic gold medal victory at the 1964 Olympic Games.
Born in South Carolina, Frazier was known as an elite Philadelphia boxing product, compiling a 38-2 amateur record.
He was a three-time National Golden Gloves champion whose only two losses were to Buster Mathis. He was the only opponent to defeat Frazier, including a failure by decision – questionable according to Frazier – in the Olympic Trials.
When US Olympic Team heavyweight qualifier Mathis could not compete at the 1964 Olympic Games due to injury, Frazier took full advantage of this opportunity as a replacement.
Frazier became one of only four American boxers to medal in Tokyo. Joe was the lone gold medalist despite breaking a thumb in the semi-finals.
In the opening round, Frazier knocked out George Olynello [Uganda], followed by a third-round stoppage of Athol McQueen [Australia] in the quarterfinals.
In the semi-final round against Vadim Yemelyanov [Russia], Frazier won through a second-round KO, even though he broke his left thumb.
Joe Frazier won the 1964 Olympic gold medal
Unwilling to tell anybody that he had broken his thumb, fearing that he wouldn’t be allowed to fight, Frazier showed tremendous grit. He became famous by winning a close decision, 3-2, versus Hans Huber [United Team of Germany] in the championship final to capture a gold medal.
“Winning an Olympic gold medal was the highlight of his amateur career,” Joe’s son Marvis Frazier noted. “It meant that he was the best in the world.
“It also made things easier for his next step into the pros. I think he felt it helped make him a real man, the best in the world, and not many people can say that.
“Winning Olympic gold with a broken thumb showed our father what he could do. He proved that he was the man. He wasn’t afraid to get the job done.
“No excuses, get the job done, was what my father always said. And you better have gotten the job done.”
Legacy
Frazier [32-4-1, 27 KOs] became a three-time world heavyweight champion. He defeated Muhammad Ali, Jimmy Ellis [twice], Bob Foster, Oscar Bonavena (twice), Jerry Quarry and Mathis. Plus, Doug Jones, Eddie Machen, and George Chuvalo during his sixteen-year professional career.
Listed at only 5ft 11 ½ inches, Frazier was best known for his bobbing, weaving, relentless pressure, and liver-damaging left hook.
“He passed away November 7, 2011, due to complications from liver cancer at the age of 67.
“Joe’s legacy will live on forever throughout USA Boxing,” said Chris Cugliari as the USA Boxing Alumni Association Executive Director inducted Joe Frazier posthumously in 2019.
“His toughness and heart were second to none. Today’s USA Boxing champions can look to Joe for the definition of a champion in and out of the ring.”