PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Boxing great Joe Frazier may get a statue in his hometown of Philadelphia.
Mayor Michael Nutter joined members of Frazier’s family on Wednesday to announce a fundraising campaign for the sculpture.
Nutter says the goal is to raise $150,000, which will pay for the memorial and a maintenance fund.
“Smokin’ Joe” was a former heavyweight champion and the first fighter to beat Muhammad Ali. Frazier died last year of liver cancer at age 67.
His statue will be placed at Xfinity Live, an entertainment complex near Philadelphia’s three sports stadiums.
A spokesman for the complex announced a $25,000 donation to kick-start the fundraising campaign.
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