Boxing Daughters

Jet, Feb 26, 2001

BOXING DAUGHTERS: The Ali-Frazier rivalry is back in effect after three decades. Jacqui Frazier (1) and Laila Ali announce at a press conference in New York they will fight in June, perhaps even on Father's Day. "Because of the legacy of our fathers, a lot of people want to see the fight and are very interested in it.

That's all people ask me about," says Ali, 23, who is unbeaten in eight fights with seven knockouts. "If that's what people want to see, then that's what you've got to give them." Frazier, 39, who theatrically punches into a cake describing what she plans to do to Ali in the ring, reveals on a more serious note that the fight could serve a larger purpose. "The bottom line is I would like to see my father and Muhammad Ali just come together when we fight and just hug and embrace and laugh and just be together." Frazier has won all six of her pro fights by knockout.