Matthew Saad Muhammad vs John Conteh

On August 18, 1979, Matthew Saad Muhammad defended his WBC light heavyweight title against John Conteh at the Resorts International in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The bout, promoted by Top Rank and televised on ABC's Wide World of Sports, was a clash between two skilled fighters at the peak of their careers.

Saad Muhammad, weighing in at 172½ lbs, entered the ring with a record of 23 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws. Conteh, slightly heavier at 175 lbs, boasted an impressive 33 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. The stage was set for a highly anticipated matchup.

Referee Carlos Padilla oversaw the 15-round contest, which proved to be a gruelling battle of attrition. Saad Muhammad, known for his resilience and punching power, faced a tough challenge in Conteh, a skilled boxer with a strong jab.

The fight went the full distance, with both fighters showcasing their abilities. Saad Muhammad's aggressive style contrasted with Conteh's technical prowess, resulting in a closely contested match. After 15 rounds of intense action, the judges' scorecards were tallied.

Matthew Saad Muhammad retained his WBC light heavyweight title by unanimous decision. The scores reflected the competitive nature of the bout, with Saad Muhammad earning a hard-fought victory.

However, controversy emerged post-fight when it was discovered that Saad Muhammad's cornermen had used an illegal substance to stop bleeding from a cut. As a result, the decision was voided, and the WBC ordered a rematch.

The rematch occurred on March 29, 1980, in Atlantic City.