Former world heavyweight champion "Smokin'" Joe Frazier is reportedly gravely ill as he battles liver cancer. From the New York Post:

"He’s in serious shape, we’re looking for a miracle,’’ said a source close to the former heavyweight champ. "They’re only giving him a short time to live. We need to have as many people as possible praying for Joe right now.’’

Frazier, 67, is of course most famous for his trilogy in the 1970s with Muhammad Ali, which included the legendary "Thrilla in Manila" in 1975, capping their epic rivalry. Frazier defeated Ali in 1971 at Madison Square Garden, before losing to Ali at the same venue in 1974, and again in Manila the next year.

His career was relatively short for such a famous fighter, as he was a professional from 1965 to 1976, with one more fight coming in 1981. His final career record was 32-4-1, with 27 knockouts. Frazier was known for his ferocious left hook, and his intense, smothering style.

Bad Left Hook sends our best wishes out to the champ.