Joe Frazier statue design approved by Philadelphia commission

Joe Frazier won a 15-round decision over Muhammad Ali in the Fight of the Century. (AP)

The design for a statue honoring Joe Frazier won a unanimous decision two years after the former heavyweight champion's death.

On Wednesday, the Philadelphia Art Commission unanimously approved a design for the sculpture of Frazier to be erected outside Xfinity Live entertainment center in about a year, according to CBS Philly.

The approved design submitted by sculptor Stephen Layne will depict Frazier, who made Philadelphia his home, landing a left hook similar to a punch that knocked Muhammad Ali down in their 1971 Fight of the Century title bout at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

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The statue project was created after Frazier died Nov. 7, 2011, but delayed upon the death of original sculptor Lawrence Nowlan in August.

"I chose that pivotal point in his career where he knocks down Ali," Layne said noting Frazier "simply stood right back up and walked back to his corner as if it was just another job to do."