Proposal to Move Joe Frazier Statue to Art Museum Steps Could Displace Iconic Rocky Monument
PHILADELPHIA — A heavyweight controversy is brewing in Philadelphia as city officials consider a proposal that would see the statue of real-life boxing legend Joe Frazier relocate to the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, potentially taking the place of the world-famous Rocky Balboa monument.
According to a proposal set to be presented by Creative Philadelphia to the Philadelphia Art Commission, the plan involves moving the 11-foot bronze likeness of “Smokin’ Joe” from its current home at Xfinity Live! in the South Philadelphia sports complex to the prime tourist location currently occupied by the “Rocky” prop statue. The move is being pitched as a necessary correction to the city’s historical narrative, prioritizing an actual Olympic gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion over a fictional movie character.
Background on the Champions
The statue of Joe Frazier, sculpted by Stephen Layne, was originally unveiled in 2015 after years of fundraising and public campaigning. It depicts Frazier at the precise moment he landed the decisive left hook that floored Muhammad Ali in the 15th round of the “Fight of the Century” in 1971. Frazier, a South Carolina native who adopted Philadelphia as his home, lived and trained in the city for decades, embodying its grit and working-class spirit.
In contrast, the Rocky statue was created by A. Thomas Schomberg originally as a prop for the film Rocky III in 1982. Sylvester Stallone donated the statue to the city, and despite initial resistance from art purists who viewed it as a movie prop rather than “fine art,” it found a permanent home at the bottom of the steps in 2006. It has since become one of Philadelphia’s most popular tourist attractions, with visitors lining up daily to recreate the famous run from the 1976 Oscar-winning film.
Objections and Tourism Concerns
The proposal to displace Rocky has immediately sparked debate regarding the city’s tourism economy. Opponents of the move argue that while Frazier deserves the highest honors, the Rocky statue is a global magnet that draws thousands of international visitors who might not know boxing history but know the Hollywood legend. Removing or sidelineing the statue could confuse visitors and impact the foot traffic that local vendors rely on.
Furthermore, some critics suggest that the two statues should not be in competition. “Rocky may be fiction, but the inspiration he provides is real,” noted one observer. There are calls for a solution that elevates Frazier—perhaps at the top of the steps or a prominent Center City location—without removing the beloved film icon that has become synonymous with Philadelphia’s image worldwide.
The Philadelphia Art Commission is scheduled to review the logistics of the move, including the engineering required to transport the 1,800-pound Frazier sculpture and the final destination for Rocky should the plan be approved.
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