Matthew Saad Muhammad vs Jerry Martin

On September 26, 1981, at the Golden Nugget Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Matthew Saad Muhammad defended his WBC World Light Heavyweight title against Jerry Martin. The bout, aired on ABC's Wide World of Sports, was Saad Muhammad's eighth successful title defence.

Martin, the WBC's #2 light heavyweight contender, started strong, targeting Saad Muhammad's body and drawing two warnings for low blows in the early rounds. However, Saad Muhammad adjusted his strategy by the third round, using long lefts to measure Martin and gain control. Despite having several opportunities to finish the fight earlier, Muhammad failed to knock out Martin, who continued to push forward.

The fight was marked by exhaustion on both sides by the ninth round, though Muhammad maintained an edge with his long-range lefts. Martin staged a comeback in the 10th round, pushing Muhammad around the ring with body combinations, but Saad Muhammad rallied and hurt Martin right before the bell.

In the 11th round, Referee Larry Hazzard stopped the fight at 28 seconds after Saad Muhammad landed two rights to Martin's chin, leaving Martin dazed and vulnerable. Hazzard's decision was met with boos from the 800 spectators, but it was supported by Jersey Joe Walcott, chairman of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission, who believed another blow could have been fatal.

Martin expressed dissatisfaction with the stoppage post-fight, claiming he was counting and ready to continue. However, Hazzard and Walcott stood by the decision, citing Martin's visible distress and the risk of further injury. This victory marked Saad Muhammad's 33rd win, his 23rd by knockout, against three losses and two draws, while Martin suffered his third loss in 25 fights.