Surprise for boxing fan

Gentleman Joe comes to call

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JOE FRAZIER was a tough, unrelenting and fearsome character in the boxing ring, as even the great Muhammad Ali found to his cost. Outside the ring, however, he has always been a perfect gentleman, as a patient in Aberdeen’s Woodend Hospital discovered yesterday when Smokin’ Joe called in to visit.

The smile returned to boxing fanatic Tony Murray’s face when the 63-year-old former champion turned up at his bedside to wish him well in his recovery from a brain haemorrhage.

In a week when boxing’s reputation has been tarnished by Scott Harrison, Smokin’ Joe has shown its kinder side.