After Joe Frazier, who should be Philly’s next statue honoree?

     A behemoth bronze statue of Smokin' Joe Frazier, created by sculptor Stephen Layne, now stands on a pedestal on the former grounds of the Spectrum, which hosted many fights including several of Frazier's. (Bastiaan Slabbers/for NewsWorks)

    A behemoth bronze statue of Smokin' Joe Frazier, created by sculptor Stephen Layne, now stands on a pedestal on the former grounds of the Spectrum, which hosted many fights including several of Frazier's. (Bastiaan Slabbers/for NewsWorks)

    On Saturday, Smokin’ Joe Frazier was finally honored with a statue in Philadelphia. The unveiling ceremony came after years and years of people ruing the fact that the late heavyweight champion of the real world lacked a statue while a fictional pugilist had a high-profile one.

    That got me to asking a simple Monday morning question on Twitter:

    We FINALLY have one for Smokin’ Joe Frazier. Who should be next on the Philly-statue list? http://t.co/eawv3py0hH

    — Brian P. Hickey (@BrianPHickey) September 14, 2015

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    Some notable suggestions with Philly connections:

    Kim Cattrall (of “Mannequin” fame)
    Jack Klugman
    Sal Fasano
    Sherman Hemsley
    Marian Anderson
    Roy Campanella
    Another Rocky
    Paulie Pennino (Rocky’s brother-in-law)
    The entire roster of the 1992-93 76ers

    The quick responses spoke to a regional desire to weigh in on such a topic, which is why we are now asking you, valued NewsWorks readers, the same question.

    Please tell us in the comments below who you think deserves of a statue to honor their works and service.

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