Shropshire hero Richie Woodhall has led the tributes to boxing great Smokin’ Joe Frazier, hailing him “a true legend.”

Frazier’s family today confirmed the former world heavyweight champion had died at the age of 67 after a brief battle with liver cancer.

The American great ruled the heavyweight division between 1970 and 1973 and was best remembered for his three bouts with Muhammad Ali.

Victory over Ali in “the fight of the century” in 1971 propelled him to greatness, although Ali gained revenge by beating his great rival in two subsequent encounters – including the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ in 1975.

“It’s a very sad day for boxing because Joe was a true legend of the sport,” said Telford’s former world super middleweight champion.

“He came from that great heavyweight era of the 1960s and 1970s when there was the famous five

“There was Ali, Frazier, (George) Foreman, (Ken) Norton and (Larry) Holmes.

“Ali was the king but Frazier was certainly next in line after him.

“To be the first man to beat Ali was a fantastic achievement and something nobody could ever take away from him.

“The Thrilla in Manilla was the first fight I remember and probably the most brutal fight I have ever seen.”

As well as admiring his boxing talents, Woodhall also had great respect for Frazier outside the ring.

“I’ve met him a few times but the biggest thrill for me came last year when Joe was over in the UK for some dinners,” added Woodhall.

“I had the honour of interviewing him up in Scotland and he was a fantastic character.

“He had some brilliant stories to tell, was really softly spoken and just a great fellow all round.”

Former heavyweight Joe Bugner said: “I’m so proud I fought him and I’m so proud he came to my birthday last year.

“It hit me like a lightning bolt when I heard he died.”