Formerly a Ball Room Dancing venue, complete with raised viewing gallery

The sounds and moves on the dance floor changed dramatically in 1968 when the property was purchased by Cloverlay - a company set up by Mr Frazier's personal investors - instead of melodic orchestral sounds and elegantly dressed young things dancing the nights away the walls reverberated to a different kind of 'music' as 'Smokin Joe punched out a rhythmic war beat on a variety of heavy bags and speed balls and his 'dance' a pugilistic ritual as he danced in the ring sparring with a succesion of willing partners

In 1973, after the fight with George Foreman, Joe Frazier bought out the other partners in Cloverlay and The Joe Frazier Gym as we know it today was born.

Under the direct guidance of Joe Frazier - and later along with his son Marvis - many great amateur and professional fighters owe their successful careers directly to them and the Smokin' Joe Frazier's Gym such as: James Shuler, Tyrell Biggs, Meldrick Taylor, Marvis Frazier, Pinklon Thomas, Duane Bobick, Marvin Stinson, Randall "Tex" Cobb, Terrance Cauthen, Smokin' Bert Copper, Willie "The Worm" Monroe, Jacquelyn "Sister Smoke" Frazier-Lyde just to name a few