Frazier's girl wants to fight Laila

Frazier's girl wants to fight Laila
ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW YORK, DECEMBER 21: It could be Ali vs Frazier again. Jacqui Frazier Lyde, the daughter of former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, has decided to become a professional boxer and wants to fight against Muhammad Ali's daughter, Laila, the New York Post reported today.

``It would be a great draw,'' the 38-year-old Lyde told the newspaper. ``It would establish Laila financially, and then I would establish her horizontally.'' Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier fought three times in the 1970s, with Ali winning twice -- including the famous `Thrilla in Manila' fight in October 1975.

Lyde said she decided to enter the ring after watching the 21-year-old Ali's debut in October.

``A reporter asked me how I thought I would measure up to Laila,'' Lyde said. ``I just said -- it just came out: `Oh, I could whip her.' Since that day, I've been training two hours a day, every day, at my dad's gym.''

Lyde, who has a private law practice, said her first fight is scheduled for April 22 in Beijing against anundetermined opponent.

Ali, 3-0 with three knockouts, wouldn't comment on Lyde's challenge.

``We're not addressing it until Jacqui Frazier is a professional fighter,'' said John McClain, Ali's trainer. ``Let her get in the ring and become a professional. Then we'll deal with it.''

The two daughters also are not necessarily compatible in the ring. Ali is 1.78 metres, 76 kilogrammes and Lyde is 1.75 metres, 84 kg.