I Am Joe Frazier
I Am Joe Frazier
7.18.0
A celebration of the rise of a humble but driven boxing perfectionist who triumphantly emerged from Muhammad Ali's long shadow to become the Heavyweight Champion of the World and redefined greatness in his own image.
Magnus Parde reviewedOctober 30, 2025
It's rare that I give a full five stars to any movie or documentary, but I Am Joe Frazier absolutely deserves it. Director Pete McCormack has delivered a masterclass in biographical filmmaking, cementing this entry as one of the best in The CW's "I Am" series and arguably one of the greatest boxing documentaries ever made.
The film successfully cuts through the decades of historical noise—particularly the complex, painful shadow cast by his rivalry with Muhammad Ali—to reveal the man: Joseph William Frazier, the humble yet ferociously driven boxing perfectionist. It utilizes stunning archival footage and candid interviews to explore his rise from poverty to Olympic gold and the undisputed Heavyweight Championship of the World.
Frazier was a true legend and icon in boxing, a force of nature whose relentless style defined an era. This documentary ensures that legacy is remembered forever, not just for his role in the "Fight of the Century" and the "Thrilla in Manila," but for his own singular greatness. The documentary doesn't shy away from the injustices and cruelty he faced, reframing him not as the foil to Ali, but as the enduring, uncompromising champion he was.
This is more than a sports story; it's a profound look at perseverance, identity, and the price of greatness. It’s an essential piece of viewing that honors the life of "Smokin' Joe" in a powerful, emotional, and long overdue fashion.