Family of late Philadelphia boxing legend Joe Frazier gathered ahead of the unveiling of his statue.
"My father was reflective of everyday champions, and that's what we are in Philadelphia," said Frazier's daughter Jacquelyn Frazier-Lyde.
The hundreds of visitors who come through the area every day will now learn about Philadelphia's beloved boxing legend.
"Smokin" Joe was the first boxer to defeat Muhammad Ali in what was billed as the "Fight of the Century" in 1971.
His statue has been outside of Stateside Live in South Philadelphia since 2015, and is inspired by the massive left hook that took down Ali in the 15th and final round.
The journey to its new spot began last week. That's when crews carefully relocated the statue to the base of the Art Museum steps, a popular tourist destination where one of the Rocky Balboa statues used to be located.
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The beloved fictional character ran up the steps in the movie, but it was "Smokin" Joe who did it in real life while training in Philadelphia.
Mayor Cherelle Parker said actor Sylvester Stallone supported the move.
"When I shared with Sylvester Stallone that we were moving Joe Frazier here, Sylvester said that is what is supposed to happen!" Parker said.
Frazier's family welcomed the new placement, pointing to the connection between the boxer and the popular film franchise.
"I never thought in my lifetime I would see my Uncle Billy at the bottom of the Art Museum steps," said Frazier's nephew, Rodney Frazier.
"The champ is here at his home base where he should be," said Frazier's son-in-law, Pete Lyde.
"The punching bag with the meat and everything that was all our grandfather. Rocky pulled inspiration from our grandfather," added Gabrielle Gibson, Frazier's granddaughter.
The city was his longtime home, where the Olympic gold medalist not only developed his skills but also inspired so many, and he is forever cemented as a legend in Philadelphia's rich history of boxing.
"Today is a special day because we're putting a Philadelphia legend where he belongs," Philadelphia City Councilmember Jeffery Young Jr. said during the unveiling.
The cinematographer of the 2011 documentary "Joe Frazier: When the Smoke Clears" is also at the unveiling and is one of many who are deeply connected to Frazier's legacy. The film is being shown Monday by the Philadelphia Film Society.
The unveiling comes as Philadelphia prepares to celebrate America's 250th birthday with a series of events across the city. Crews have begun setting up for the Welcome America Fourth of July concert along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, while workers at the Pennsylvania Convention Center are completing floats for a planned Independence Day parade.
"There are over 250 elements in the parade," parade producer Todd Marcocci said.
He added that the event will be significantly larger than in previous years.
"This is four times the size of what we normally do," Marcocci said.
Members of the Frazier family said the new location will give more people an opportunity to learn about the champion's legacy.
"It's home; it feels like people will actually be able to see him and appreciate who Joe Frazier is and get the history of who Joe Frazier is," said Derek Frazier, the boxer's son.
City leaders said the relocation is part of a broader effort to ensure Philadelphia's public art reflects the people who helped shape the city. The move also highlights Frazier's lasting impact on the sport of boxing.
"One thing he did great was be authentic on what he was good at. That itself is special," boxing great Bernard Hopkins said.
Frazier's daughters said the unveiling was an emotional moment for the family.
The original Rocky statue that previously stood at the site is now part of an exhibition inside the museum. Officials said it will be moved to the top of the Art Museum steps after the exhibition ends. Currently, there is a second Rocky statue at the top of the Art Museum steps.
Supporters of the move said it represents a step toward reclaiming Philadelphia's identity as a premier boxing city. Efforts are also underway to raise money to repair and reopen Joe Frazier's gym in North Philadelphia.