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Frazier-Ali statue unveiled on 50th anniversary of the ‘Fight of the Century’

Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier's legendary fight in 1971 has resulted in a statue inside the Joe Hand Gym.

Derek Dennis Frazier, the youngest son of former World Heavyweight Champion Joe Frazier, with the sculpture created by artist Chris Collins. The piece depicts the legendary Joe Frazier-Muhammad Ali fight that took place on March 8, 1971.
Derek Dennis Frazier, the youngest son of former World Heavyweight Champion Joe Frazier, with the sculpture created by artist Chris Collins. The piece depicts the legendary Joe Frazier-Muhammad Ali fight that took place on March 8, 1971.Read moreJESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer
    by Damichael Cole
    Updated 
    Published 

As the Joe Hand Gym filled with approximately 50-60 people leading up to the unveiling of the Joe Frazier-Muhammad Ali statue, Joe Hand Sr. quickly channeled his experience as a promoter.

“Damn, we should’ve sold tickets,” he said.

A 7-foot, 1,600-pound statue of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier boxing was unveiled Monday at the Joe Hand Gym in Feasterville. Two of Joe Frazier’s sons and a daughter, Weatta Frazier Collins, attended the event.

“Fifty years later, it’s still the biggest event that has happened in sports,” said Joe Frazier Jr., one of four speakers at the ceremony. “The fight has transcended through all generations.

“I want you to see the statue and think of Frazier and Ali not from where they were but where they came from. They came from work and dedication.”

Dr. Nicholas DePace, sculptor Chris Collins, and Hand were the other speakers. DePace, a cardiologist who has collected sports memorabilia that Joe Hand Jr. said is worth “tens of millions,” paid for the statue.

“When you see this statue, it comes to life,” DePace said. “You will think they’re going to come alive and talk to you. This is in the category of a Michelangelo project. It’s a masterpiece.”

It was the first time the Hand family hosted visitors at the gym, which opened in Decemberf 2020. The younger Hand said the gym is still more than a month away from hosting boxers and regular visitors.

When those boxers come in, they will see two of the greatest heavyweights of all-time placed in front of the ring. The statue can also be seen from West Street Road.

DePace described Ali and Frazier as “larger than life,” and that’s how the bronze statue depicts them. Onlookers and attendees lined up for pictures and videos, including members of the Frazier family, who feel charged with continuing Smokin’ Joe’s legacy.

The statue’s location could change in the future. DePace’s original plan was to have it stationed in Philadelphia at the proposed Museum for Sports.