55 years ago

Date: 22nd April 1969

Venue: Sam Houston Coliseum, Houston, Texas

Title: NYSAC World Heavyweight Title

Tv:

Joe Frazier
( 22 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 204½ lbs

Dave Zyglewicz
( 28 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 190½ lbs

On April 22, 1969, Joe Frazier made the third defence of his NYSAC World Heavyweight Title against Dave Zyglewicz at the Sam Houston Coliseum in Houston, Texas. The fight, which ended in a knockout victory for Frazier at just 1:36 into the first round, was more than a title defence; it was a moment laden with social and racial tensions reflective of the era.

Joe Frazier, weighing in at 205 pounds, was at the peak of his prowess, holding a championship recognised not just in several vital American states, including New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania, but also internationally in Mexico and Argentina. 

The match against Zyglewicz, a 190-pound fighter from Watervliet, New York, who had made Houston his home, was made official on March 10, with Zyglewicz considered a 10 to 1 underdog.

The backdrop to this fight involved a significant decision made by Jimmy Ellis, who was initially slated to face Zyglewicz for the WBA heavyweight title. Ellis, after discussions with Joe "Shotgun" Sheldon, a sparring partner, opted out of the fight due to concerns over racial bias in Texas. Sheldon’s warning painted a picture of a hostile environment where the odds were stacked against Ellis due to the racial prejudices of the time.

Despite these tensions, the fight attracted a crowd of 8,500, generating approximately $127,000 at the gate, with Frazier earning 40% and Zyglewicz 20%. The anticipation was palpable as the pro-Zyglewicz crowd hoped for an upset to crown their local hero as champion.

However, the fight itself was short-lived. Frazier, known for his devastating left hooks, quickly asserted his dominance. Zyglewicz was knocked down twice in 96 seconds, a testament to Frazier's ferocious power. The referee, Jimmy Webb, counted Zyglewicz out, sealing Frazier's quick and decisive victory.