Muhammad Ali "praying" for Joe Frazier

Former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali has spoken of his sadness following revelations that Joe Frazier is receiving treatment for liver cancer.

The 69-year-old, who suffered his first defeat to Frazier, has also revealed that he is "praying" for his former opponent.

"The news about Joe is hard to believe and even harder to accept," said Ali. "Joe is a fighter and a champion and I am praying he is fighting now.

"My family and I are keeping Joe and his family in our daily prayers.

"Joe has a lot of friends pulling for him and I'm one of them."

Frazier retired from the sport in 1981.