Ali, Frazier indulge in some lip-boxing

Ali, Frazier indulge in some lip-boxing
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Verona, March 2: Sister Smoke was smokin’ and the Queen Bee was buzzing. Jacqui Frazier-Lyde and Laila Ali aren’t fighting each other on Friday night, but you never would have known it listening to their taunts during training this week as they prepared to box on the same card at Turning Stone Casino. ‘‘Her face is just going to be so beat-up because of all the mess she’s been talking,’’ said Ali, the 23-year-old daughter of Muhammad Ali.

‘‘Yeah, there’s true dislike because you know my saying Jacqui Frazier’s a fool, she doesn’t know how to act. So, somebody like me who does know how to act, has a lot of class, can’t stand a woman like that. I really got to just put her on the spot when we get in the ring.’’

Ali, unbeaten in eight fights with seven knock-outs, and Frazier-Lyde are expected to finally meet in June, most likely outdoors here at the casino, where Ali made her professional debut 17 months ago. Frazier-Lyde, who got her nickname from Muhammad Ali, can’t wait.

‘‘I was ready to fight Laila a year ago, but let me just say this right now she’s in for a more artful butt-kicking than originally,’’ said Frazier-Lyde, 39, who has won all six of her professional bouts by knock-out. ‘‘She should have fought me a year ago when I challenged her on the 25th anniversary of the Thrilla in Manila.

‘‘March 8th is the 30th anniversary of the commemoration my father Joe Frazier’s first fight against her father,’’ Frazier-Lyde said. ‘‘My father dusted Muhammad Ali off, and that’s exactly what’s going to happen to Laila. The Fraziers have great love for the Ali family. We especially love giving them a good butt-kicking.’’