Bernard Hopkins discusses the impact Joe Frazier had both in and out of the ring

Just days after it was publicly announced that legendary hometown boxer Smokin’ Joe Frazier was receiving hospice care for advanced liver cancer, the 67-year-old died Monday night.

NewsWorks spoke with modern-day Philadelphia pugilist Bernard Hopkins about Frazier’s impact on him (as a youth, he trained at Frazier’s gym at Broad Street and Glenwood Avenue), his sport (Frazier fought three legendary battles with Muhammad Ali) and much more.

Interviewed hours before Frazier died, Hopkins noted that he hopes the late heavyweight champion of the world’s passing will teach people young and old to let others know they’re appreciated before they’re gone. He also rued the fact that Philadelphia celebrates a statue to a fictional boxer while not having one to a non-fictional hero whose impact was felt beyond the ring.

Listen to the clips above as Hopkins discusses Frazier’s legacy.