Editing Joe Frazier (section)

====Mid-to-late 1960s====
Now in his second year, in September 1966 and somewhat green, Frazier won a close decision over rugged contender [[Oscar Bonavena]], despite Bonavena flooring him twice in the second round. A third knockdown in that round would have ended the fight under the three knockdown rule. Frazier rallied and won a close split decision after 10 rounds. The Machen win followed that contest.

In 1967, Frazier stormed ahead winning all six of his fights, including a sixth-round knockout of [[Doug Jones (boxer)|Doug Jones]] and a brutal fourth round (TKO) of Canadian [[George Chuvalo]]. No boxer had ever stopped Chuvalo, but Frazier, despite the stoppage, was unable to floor Chuvalo, who would never be knocked down in his entire career despite fighting numerous top names.

By February 1967, Joe had scored 14 wins and his star was beginning to rise. This culminated with his first appearance on the cover of ''Ring Magazine''. That month, he met Ali, who had not yet been stripped of his title. Ali said that Joe would never stand a chance of "whipping" him even in his wildest dreams. Later that year, Muhammad Ali was stripped of his world heavyweight title because of his refusal to accept the [[military draft]] during the [[Vietnam War]].

To fill the vacancy, the [[New York State Athletic Commission]] held a bout between Frazier and [[Buster Mathis]], who were undefeated going into the match, with the winner to be recognized as "World Champion" by New York State. Although the fight was not recognized as a World Championship bout by some, Frazier won by a knockout in the 11th round and staked a claim to the Heavyweight Championship.