BOXING legend Joe Frazier will appear in Southampton on Friday night.

The American, who was involved in arguably the greatest rivalry in sports history with Muhammad Ali, will be appearing at 'An evening with Joe Frazier' at Southampton's De Vere Grand Harbour hotel.

The former heavyweight champion seldom visits England and this will be the first time he has come to Southampton.

A charity auction will be held offering some great signed memorabilia from Frazier's career with proceeds going to help victims of the tsunami disaster.

The former champ will also take questions about his career and there will also be footage of some of his most memorable fights on a big screen.

Frazier, 60, is universally rated among the best heavyweight title holders in history. He held the world title from 1970 until 1973, memorably becoming the first boxer to beat Ali in their 1971 'Fight of the Century' showdown.

He is, however, best remembered for his heroic but losing performance in the decisive 1975 'Thrilla in Manila' against Ali - the third in their trilogy of fights.

Ali, the leading sports figure of the 20th century, rates Frazier as his toughest-ever opponent and the duo have continued to have a frosty relationship despite both being long retired.

Frazier burst on the scene with Olympic gold in 1964 before taking the heavyweight title against Jimmy Ellis when Ali was exiled from boxing following his refusal to be inducted in the United States Army for the war in Vietnam.

He then lost his crown to the mighty George Foreman - the only boxer other than Ali who beat him during his professional career.

Nicknamed' 'Smokin' Joe', Frazier is appearing in Newcastle, Manchester and London as well as Southampton this week and jetted into England yesterday.

The De Vere evening, which includes a four-course meal, has been organised by former Southampton cruiserweight boxer Pete Bunting.

"It should be a great night. Joe Frazier is a true legend in the sport and it is a real one-off to have him in England let alone Southampton," he said.

Bunting only suffered one defeat in his professional career and was a favourite at Guildhall shows during the late 1980s.

Tickets range from £100 to £150. For details contact Bunting on 07831 233333 or call 023 8060 0555.