On this day in history, George Foreman smokes Joe Frazier in two rounds

On this day in history, “Big George” smokes Frazier in two in Jamaica

January 22, 1973

Fearsome puncher George Foreman (37-0, 34KOs) dropped 'Smokin' Joe Frazier (29-0, 25KOs) six times in two rounds to win the world heavyweight title in Kingston, Jamaica.

Undisputed champion Frazier was favored with having recently become the first man to defeat Muhammad Ali in the “Fight of the Century” 22 months earlier.

However, an untested Foreman sent “Smokin’ Joe” to the canvas three times in each round before referee Arthur Mercante called a halt.

Texan 'Big George' ended his career with 76 wins, 68 by KO, and just five defeats. The loudmouth Shannon Briggs (29-1) was the man to send Foreman into retirement in 1997, which was his 27th year as a professional boxer.

Both George Foreman and Joe Frazier are considered among the best heavyweight fighters of all time. They competed in arguably the greatest era that the sport of boxing has ever experienced.