Muhammad Ali To Attend Joe Frazier's Funeral

Smokin' Joe was the first man to beat Ali

Muhammad Ali is heading to Philadelphia for the funeral of Joe Frazier. 

A spokesperson, handling funeral details for the Frazier family, tells NBC10 that Ali will arrive in Philadelphia on Sunday, and will attend Monday's services.

Frazier was the first man to beat Muhammad Ali, knocking him down and taking a decision in the so-called Fight of the Century in 1971. He would go on to lose two more fights to Ali. 

Smokin' Joe's body will be lying in state at the Wells Fargo Center Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

"This will be an opportunity for his many fans, supporters and boxing lovers from around the world to pay their final respects to Joe Frazier," his family said in a release.

Frazier's funeral will be a closed casket ceremony Monday at the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church on Cheltenham Avenue. Guests can pay tribute to Frazier from 9 to 11 a.m. and the service will begin at 11, family said.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Frazier's name to the American Cancer Society:

Checks payable to ACS, Inc.
8400 Silver Crossing
Oklahoma City, OK, 73132

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