With a professional record of 32-4-1, ‘Smokin’ was a force to be reckoned with in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Being the first man to defeat Ali, his talents could not be denied.

In order to set up his first meeting with Ali, however, Frazier defended his world title in style.

After winning the WBA and WBC World Heavyweight titles against Jimmy Ellis in February 1970 via retirement, Frazier would look to defend his belts nine months later.

For his first title defense of the belts, he faced Bob Foster in Michigan. Fighting in November 1970, ‘Smokin’ was 26 years old, with a record of 25-0.

His opponent, Foster, went into the bout with a 41-4 record. However, he had not tasted defeat in almost five years.

The challengers’ five-year winning streak would come to an end when he faced Frazier. As Foster was moving to heavyweight, the light heavyweight champion would be stopped early in the fight.

In the second round, a sharp left hook from the champion would tumble Foster to the canvas. Despite recovering, the same punch would eventually end the bout.

Foster was left lying on the canvas as another damaging left hook landed flush. This time, the challenger would not be able to recover.