Promoter Joe has Smokin' night out

When Joe Frater met boxing legend Joe Frazier, the Grimsby promoter was surprised to discover the pair have more in common than a similar name and a shared love of the sport.

Frater met up with the former world heavyweight champion at a fight night in Peterborough - and learned they both have Jamaican roots. After chatting with the icon for around half-an-hour, Frater is now determined to bring a guest of Smokin' Joe's calibre to one of his own shows in the future.

Frater said: "It was the second time I have met him, but it was the first time I have had the opportunity to sit down and actually talk to him.

"I found out he has Jamaican parents - which not a lot of people realise.

"I think that's why we got on so well.

"We have slightly different names but the chemistry between us brought us close. It was electrifying."

Frazier was with his son, Marvis, at a boxing show organised by Kevin Sanders, the former trainer and manager of Nigel Benn - with tickets on sale at £100 each.

Frater, who moved to the area from his native Jamaica in the early 1960s, said: "He asked me about Grimsby, and I told him I love being here in Lincolnshire.

"I told him that I would love him to come here.

"He just laughed and said 'you never know, Joe'.

"The crowd gave him the longest standing ovation I have ever seen.

"I would love to bring a man like Joe Frazier to the town.

"The people of Grimsby should have a part of this, they deserve it.

"He would be a great inspiration to young sports people in the area."

Frazier became world heavyweight champion in February 16, 1970, when he knocked out Jimmy Ellis in five rounds in New York City, and held his title until January 22, 1973, when he was beaten by George Foreman at Kingston, Jamaica.

Smokin' Joe fought Muhammad Ali three times - winning the first and losing the next two. He was the first man to beat Ali, and only Frazier and Foreman ever did.

The third Frazier-Ali fight, popularly known as the 'Thriller in Manilla' is rated by some as the best fight of all time - with Joe's corner conceding victory after 14 brutal rounds.

Frazier, who was also an Olympic champion, retired in 1981.