A packed crowd at Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo welcomed former World Heavyweight Champion Boxer Joe Frasier last Friday at its initial “Legends of the Sport Program. Frasier, along with co-host Nehme Abouzeid, director of business development for The Venetian/Palazzo, commented during the showing of the critically acclaimed film “Thrilla in Manila.” The film depicts the rivalry between Frasier and Mohammed Ali in the early 1970’s. It also covers the turmoil of a racially-divided America during the Viet Nam era and ends with a detailed review of the famous October, 1975 fight in Manila.

In addition to his remaks during the film, Frasier answered a few written questions. Nehme told the crowd that the program was the first in a series of hosted evenings featuring Legends of Sport. He commented that The Venetian/Palazzo is a series of towers and they will invite athletes with “towering achievements” to host future events.

The audience included invited guests, but was also open to open to the public with a $65 charge which included food and center seating or $40 for the meet and greet which included miniature souvenir autographed gloves, or fans could simply attend. I also saw people with food coupons from the local paper.

After blowing out the candles on a cake celebrating his 66th birthday, Frasier retired to a private room for a meet and greet.

I have always been a boxing fan and vividly recall all the personalities shown in the movie. Joe Frasier was a hero to me. The years have taken their toll. He needs a wheel chair to get around and his speech is somewhat slurred. But his humor and wit were still sharp. He clearly enjoyed monitoring the film and interacting with the audience.

If the Venetian/Palazzo’s Legends of The Sport events maintain the caliber of this one, then I think they have a winner.

Story and Photos by Burt Davis

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