There was a time when boxing great Muhammad Ali taunted Joe Frazier. He called his greatest rival "a gorilla," "Uncle Tom," and challenged his manhood. But with the death of Frazier on Monday, Nov. 7, Ali had nothing but words of respect for the boxing titan known as "Smokin' Joe."

"The world has lost a great champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration. My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones," Ali said upon hearing the news of Frazier's passing on Monday night.

Frazier, 67, died after a brief battle with liver cancer.

The news has devastated the boxing world and Frazier's fans. But memories of the big, determined fighter from Philadelphia with the killer left hook have brought some solace.

Frazier and Ali will be forever linked because of three epic fights that took place from 1971 – 1975.

Frazier won the first one at Madison Square Garden in the Fight of the Century. Ali took the last two, cementing his legend as The Greatest.

These kings of the boxing ring nearly fought to the death in the Thrilla in Manila.

Those became defining moments in Frazier's career. But he also became the only American fighter to win a gold medal in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo.

Frazier also held the title of heavyweight champ from February 1970 to January 1973, an era when that crown truly meant something.

"Joe Frazier was the personification of the City of Brotherly Love," Howard Bloom of Sports Business News said, appearing on Canada AM on Tuesday.

"He was tough. Determined. The Joe Frazier of the 1970s -- you don't find that embodied in an athlete of people today."

More reaction to Frazier's death:

"Good night Joe Frazier. I love you dear friend."

--Former heavyweight champion George Foreman, posted to his Twitter account.

"Without him, other boxing heroes wouldn't be great because they tested their talent against. He definitely was legendary and he made a great contribution to boxing. I'm so sad for his family. Nobody likes to hear about great heroes passing on. It's a very sad day for boxing."

--Former British heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.

"RIP Joe Frazier, one of the all-time greats."

--Senator John McCain

"R.I.P Joe Frazier! Heavyweight Great!! One of the best!

--LeBron James

"Another legend lost. RIP to the great Joe Frazier, peace brother you will be missed."

--Shaquille O'Neal

"RIP to the great champ and 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist "Smokin" Joe Frazier. You will be missed."

--USA Boxing, posted to its Twitter account

"Joe Frazier should be remembered as one of the greatest fighters of all time and a real man. He's a guy that stood up for himself. He didn't compromise and always gave 100 per cent in the ring. There was never a fight in the ring where Joe didn't give 100 per cent."

--Promoter Bob Arum on Frazier and his fights with Muhammad Ali.

"Joe Frazier you were an icon and pioneer for people like me. Inspiring and loved. Your presence will be missed."

--Tennis star Serena Williams, posted to her Twitter account.

"Boxing lost a great champion, and the sport has lost a great ambassador."

--Boxer Manny Pacquiao

"Whenever an athlete of that stature, that kind of bearing, passes away, it pains you. The sad thing about that fight was both Ali and Frazier suffered so much that their careers went down. Ali himself said it was almost like dying."

--Philippines boxing commentator Ronnie Nathanielsz, who reported on the "Thrilla in Manila."

"About two or three years ago, everybody is asking me why I was fighting. Joe Frazier said you fight as long as you feel you can do it and win with dignity. That was in Joe Hand's Gym while I was in Philly. I told him I could and that I was in great shape. He walked out of the place. I remember that. Those few minutes were like an hour. You've got to listen to him and listen to him clearly."

--WBC light heavyweight champion Bernard Hopkins.

"I will miss you my friend. R.I.P. Joe Frazier."

--Boxer Oscar De La Hoya

"As a HUGE boxing fan it saddens me that Smokin' Joe Frazier is no longer with us. He and Ali made boxing special when I was a kid."

--Former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard

"RIP Joe Frazier…a legendary boxer has left us…made Philly proud! Glad I was able to shake your hand and meet ya legend!"

--Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino

"Somewhere in heaven H. Cosell is yelling, ‘Down goes Frazier!' for the last time. And yet, there's Joe up & still coming forward."

--Actor Garry Shandling