56 years ago

Date: 4th March 1968

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, USA

Title: vacant NYSAC World Heavyweight Title

Tv:

Joe Frazier
( 19 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 204½ lbs

Buster Mathis
( 23 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 243½ lbs

On March 4, 1968, Madison Square Garden in New York hosted a bout that filled the arena with nearly 20,000 spectators and etched its mark in boxing history. Joe Frazier, weighing in at 205 pounds, faced off against Buster Mathis, who tipped the scales at 243 pounds, in a fight for the vacant NYSAC World Heavyweight Title. This match was not just about the title; it was a battle of unbeaten heavyweights, with Frazier at 19-0 (17 KOs) and Mathis at 23-0 (17 KOs), promising a clash of titans in the truest sense.

The fight had a backdrop of anticipation and significance. The main event on a card featured another high-profile match, Emile Griffith vs. Nino Benvenuti III, marking the first boxing event at the third incarnation of Madison Square Garden. The event set an indoor gate record, generating $658,503 from a crowd of 18,096. Beyond the sporting spectacle, the bout occurred amid societal tensions, evidenced by several hundred picketers organised by black power groups protesting for the recently deposed Muhammad Ali outside the venue.

The fight was a testament to both fighters' skill, resilience, and power. For the first six rounds, Mathis used his size advantage to give Frazier a tough challenge, showcasing the talent that had seen him outpoint Frazier in the heavyweight final of the 1964 U.S. Olympic Trials. However, Frazier's relentless pressure, characterised by thudding body punches, began to wear Mathis down. 

In the 11th round, Frazier connected with a devastating short left hook, sending Mathis over the bottom strand of the ropes. This punch ultimately led referee Arthur Mercante to halt the fight as Mathis struggled to his feet.

This victory was significant for several reasons. It was the first time Mathis had been knocked down as a professional, highlighting Frazier's power and precision. Furthermore, the win over Mathis, the heaviest opponent Frazier had faced in his professional career up to that point, underscored Frazier's ability to overcome substantial challenges. The victory also marked Frazier's ascent as the World Heavyweight Champion recognised by New York, Illinois, Maine, and Massachusetts, bypassing the WBA's eight-man elimination tournament.

Financially, the fight was lucrative for both boxers, with Frazier earning $175,000 and Mathis $75,000. Additionally, the bout was broadcast on closed-circuit television in 70 cities, expanding its impact beyond the confines of Madison Square Garden.

The fight between Joe Frazier and Buster Mathis is remembered not only for the heavyweight title at stake but also for the broader context in which it occurred, including the protest for Muhammad Ali and the record-setting attendance. It demonstrated Frazier's ferocity and skill inside the ring and ability to captivate and draw massive crowds, contributing to his legacy as one of boxing's great heavyweight champions.