I SUPPOSE there comes a moment in every fighter’s life when everything comes together and he achieves all that he has been striving for.

That moment came for Joe Frazier in his first fight against Muhammad Ali when he knocked the challenger to the canvas with a wondrous left hook. The punch did not knock Ali out, but it did represent a repayment with interest for Frazier after suffering considerable pre-fight abuse from Ali.

The punch delivered in the 15th round ensured Frazier of victory, enabling him to enjoy his finest hour.

Frazier fought in an era of great heavyweight boxers alongside Ali and George Foreman. The three represented all the finest qualities of boxing in different ways, but Frazier was the bravest of the brave. I never saw him take a step back, which perhaps was his undoing against Foreman who clubbed him to defeat using his enormous power.

There is no doubt Frazier was a formidable fighting heavyweight, ferocious in the ring a veritable black Marciano.

He was also impressive outside the ring maintaining a quiet dignity when faced with the slings and arrows from Ali.

It is good they became friendlier in retirement. As regards who was the best, let us call it an honourable draw.

Derek Parker, Bishop Auckland.