The Philadelphia Art Commission has approved a proposal to relocate the statue of legendary boxer Joe Frazier to one of the most iconic landmarks in the city — the base of the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The decision, made Wednesday, supports a plan introduced by Creative Philadelphia, the city’s office of arts and culture. If finalized, the statue of Frazier will be moved to the prominent location currently occupied by the famous Rocky Balboa statue.
The move would symbolically elevate Frazier — a real-life heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medalist — to one of Philadelphia’s most photographed and celebrated public spaces. Many have long argued that Frazier’s historic achievements in boxing, including his 1971 victory over Muhammad Ali in the “Fight of the Century,” deserve greater recognition in the city he proudly represented.
The proposal reflects ongoing conversations about how Philadelphia honors its cultural and athletic heroes, balancing fictional icons with real-world legends. According to reporting from CBS News Philadelphia journalist Madeleine Wright, the relocation aims to better highlight Frazier’s legacy while preserving the Rocky statue’s connection to the museum steps, which became internationally famous through the Rocky film franchise.
If completed, the move would mark a significant moment in how Philadelphia celebrates its history — placing “Smokin’ Joe” front and center at one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
