I think you’re white washing things. Ali did worse than call him an Uncle Tom. He called him a gorilla. He genuinely hurt Frazier. Ali also called him ignorant. Ali acted like a jackass. It was no longer about building up media attention. Ali was simply an arrogant, cruel, Muslim bastard who didn’t give a crap about anyone but himself.
It took Ali 30 years to apologize: http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20010316&slug=digs16
Ali was NOT just promoting the fight. He was getting at Frazier. It was part of his strategy.
People forget Frazier was a gentleman and actually much-loved outside of the boxing ring. And since Frazier's boxing career started in Philadelphia, he is effectively considered a "native son" of that city.
RIP, "Smokin' Joe." All the serious boxing fans out there will fondly remember you.