57 years ago

Date: 24th June 1968

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, USA

Title: NYSAC World Heavyweight Title

Tv:

Joe Frazier
( 20 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 203½ lbs

Manuel Ramos
( 20 - 6 - 2 )
Weight: 208 lbs

On June 24, 1968, Madison Square Garden in New York was the venue for Joe Frazier's first defence of the NYSAC World Heavyweight Title against Manuel Ramos. This bout marked another chapter in Frazier's illustrious career, as he took on Ramos in a fight recognised for the World Heavyweight Championship by several states, including New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maine, and Massachusetts.

Frazier, weighing in at 203 pounds, entered the ring as a firm favourite, with odds of 4-1 reflecting his status in the boxing world. Despite the confidence in his ability, the fight presented an unexpected challenge for Frazier, particularly in the first round. Tipping the scales at 208 pounds, Ramos managed to stagger Frazier with a right uppercut, demonstrating that he was not there to be easily dismissed.

The bout drew a crowd of 10,785, generating a gate of $121,302, showcasing the draw Frazier had become and the anticipation for this title defence. However, the drama of the first round set the stage for an explosive conclusion.

In the second round, Frazier showcased the power and ferocity that had become his trademark. He knocked Ramos down twice, a clear sign of his dominance and ability to recover and adapt after being momentarily put on the back foot. After rising from the second knockdown, Ramos signalled to referee Arthur Mercante by waving his gloves, indicating he could not continue. The fight was stopped at the 3:00 mark of the second round, awarding Frazier a TKO victory.