Joe Frazier's courageous battle serves as an inspiration to advocacies against cancer (Photo Credit: Creative Commons)

Even the great Muhammad Ali had to struggle to put down “Smokin’ Joe” Frazier, one of the greatest heavyweight fighters in boxing history.  Frazier’s recent loss to liver cancer, shows however,  that even the heaviest left hook can be feeble against this silent killer.

Frazier had become a respected boxing icon, not only for being the first fighter to beat Ali, but more so for his enduring integrity in the world of boxing. His triumph over Ali in the 1971 “Fight of the Century” at the Madison Square Garden was edified as one of the most celebrated boxing matches, exceeded only by the pair’s last bout, dubbed the “Thrilla in Manila” in 1975.

Frazier’s career testifies to his remarkable professional endurance. The numbers say it all – an impressive 32-to-4 win-loss record.  But Frazier’s boxing career did not only mean battling against the top fighters,  it also meant confronting personal attacks and public racial slurs.

Frazier’s final blow came from liver cancer.  He was diagnosed September 2011.  For six weeks he had been in and out of hospice care with no signs of improvement in his condition.

Frazier’s sudden passing is very much reminiscent of Al’s, who, like Frazier, was diagnosed of liver cancer a mere six weeks before his death in 2008.

Liver cancer presents silent symptoms, making it extremely difficult to detect in its early stage.  Awareness of liver cancer, hepatitis screening and vaccination are our best defenses while experts around the world develop better ways to diagnose and treat liver cancer.

“The world has lost a great champion,” said Ali upon Frazier’s death last Monday echoing the sentiment of many. While Frazier has motivated athletes for decades, may he also inspire us towards a stronger, more informed, and more dynamic advocacy against liver cancer.

By Toni Bacala