How did Joe Frazier beat Muhammad Ali? Joe Frazier became the first man to beat Ali in the Fight of the Century in March 1971 at Madison Square Garden. Frazier, who died on 7th November 2011, won the fight following a vicious left hook in the 15th round. Frazier had a three scorecard lead at the end of round 14, the left hook in round 15 sealing the deal. The judges voted unanimously. Of the fight, Frazier said "That was the greatest thing that ever happened in my life." Joe Frazier died, aged 67, following a battle with liver cancer. Frazier and Ali fought three times, the final battle coming in 1975. Ali won the fight after Frazier's trainer had to hold a temporarily blinded Frazier from re-entering the ring for the final round.