Joe Frazier Statue Eyes a New Home at the Art Museum

Philadelphia is poised to add a new landmark: the statue of former heavyweight champion “Smokin’” Joe Frazier. The city is considering moving the bronze from its current spot near the sports arena to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art—where the iconic Rocky statue once stood.

The Proposal

• Next Wednesday: The plan will be presented to the Art Commission.
• Rocky’s Return: The commission already approved a plan for Rocky’s statue to return to the museum steps this fall, where it will be displayed inside the building for the first time.
• Side by Side: Frazier’s move would place both figures together, creating a dialogue between myth and reality.

About the Statue

• Created: 2014 by sculptor Stephen Layne.
• Size: 12‑foot bronze.
• Subject: Captures Frazier moments after defeating Muhammad Ali in the 1971 “Fight of the Century.”
• Current Location: Outside what is now Stateside Live for a decade.
• Donation: Presented to the city by Frazier’s family, supporters, and boxing legend Joe Hand.

Next Steps

• Timeline: Unclear.
• Creative Philadelphia: Has not yet responded to requests for further details.
• Art Community: Watching closely as this potential shift could reshape how the public remembers one of Philadelphia’s most iconic athletes.