There was a time when Muhammad Ali taunted Joe Frazier relentlessly, called him ugly and challenged his manhood.
After his old rival died Monday night, Ali had nothing but kind words for Smokin' Joe.
"The world has lost a great champion. I will always remember Joe with respect and admiration," Ali said in a short statement. "My sympathy goes out to his family and loved ones."
Frazier died at 67 after a brief battle with liver cancer. Frazier was the only American fighter to win a gold medal in the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo. He was the heavyweight champ from February 1970 to January 1973.
When his final fight ended Monday night, reaction to Frazier's death poured in from every corner of the sports world.
"Good night, Joe Frazier. I love you, dear friend," former heavyweight champion George Foreman, who stopped Frazier to win the title, posted to his Twitter account.
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WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao said boxing lost "a great champion" and "a great ambassador."
Tennis star Serena Williams called him an icon and a pioneer.
"Inspiring and loved. Your presence will be missed," she tweeted.
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