2nd April 2008 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

End Of An Era - Smokin’ Joe Frazier’s Gym Closes

7.30pm Monday 30th March is a time that will go down in boxing history, as
it was then that Joe & Marvis Frazier locked the doors of their famous
Philadelphia gym for the final time.

It should have been a landmark year, as it is 40 years since the doors of
the former dancehall were opened to herald in the start of a new era for
boxing and Smokin’ Joe Frazier.

The Frazier’s told their staff and fighters “The gym is closing for
renovations to the building” but the ominous tone it was given and the
fact that all fighters, amateur and professional alike, were advised to
find new gyms and trainers told a different story.

When asked by various fighters if the gym will open again, Marvis Frazier
replied “The gym is closed, it’s over”

More as this develops. Rest of the release after the jump.

Whilst this statement has hit hard all involved, it has come as an even
more bitter pill to swallow for three of the gym’s most promising stars -
Marianne Marston from London, England. Jayson Sia from Los Angeles,
California. and Diane (Dee) Moses from Jacksonville, Florida - as not only
had they relocated to Philadelphia in order to train and be managed by the
Frazier’s but all three were also due to sign professional papers later
this month and now find themselves without a gym, trainers or management.

A statement will be issued early next week by a group of these Frazier
fighters, including those mentioned, regarding their intention to set up a
Frazier Fighters Group in order to attract financial investors so they can
set up a new gym - or if possible lease the old one - and employ their
former trainers, including Marvis Frazier.

- END -

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008 at 3:32 pm.