Madison Square Garden’s All Access Tour Takes You Inside the Ring Where Ali Lost His First Fight

Madison Square Garden, NYC

March 8, 1971 turned Madison Square Garden into the center of the world.

Two undefeated boxers, Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, faced off in what became known as “The Fight of the Century.” The circus atmosphere outside matched the drama inside.

Here’s what happened that night in New York City, now part of Madison Square Garden’s All-Access Tour.

Record-Breaking Purses

Ali and Frazier each earned $2.5 million, the most any athlete had made for a single event at that time. Promoters Jerry Perenchio and Jack Kent Cooke secured the financial backing for these record payments.

The fighters chose this guaranteed amount over an offer of $1.5 million plus a percentage of revenue. After signing, Ali told Frazier, “Hey Joe, they got us cheap.”

The fight generated over $45 million worldwide. Had they taken the percentage deal instead, each would have earned about $6 million.

The Ringside Attraction

Fight night turned Madison Square Garden into a celebrity hotspot.

Frank Sinatra couldn’t get a good seat, so he worked as a photographer for Life Magazine to stand ringside. Actor Burt Lancaster joined the broadcast team despite having no sports announcing experience.

Jazz musician Miles Davis wore a bright red suit, while stars like Diana Ross, Woody Allen, and Hugh Hefner watched from premium seats. Artist LeRoy Neiman painted the fighters during the match.

All Eyes on the Garden

The fight reached about 300 million viewers in 50 countries through closed-circuit television broadcasts in 12 languages, a record audience for that era. Outside the Garden, scalpers sold tickets for 10 times their face value.

Famous writer Norman Mailer covered the event for Life Magazine, with Sinatra’s photos accompanying his article. Media outlets worldwide sent their top reporters to document the historic fight.

Theaters and arenas across America set up special screenings so fans could watch the match live on big screens.

The Struggles Behind the Spectacle

Ali stood as a symbol of resistance after refusing to serve in Vietnam, a decision that cost him his title and nearly four years of his boxing career. Frazier, despite his own humble beginnings, became viewed as the establishment fighter.

America in 1971 remained torn over civil rights and the Vietnam War. Ali had changed his name from Cassius Clay after joining the Nation of Islam, drawing both praise and criticism.

Many fans in the arena cheered based on political views rather than boxing preferences. Conservative fans typically supported Frazier while anti-war activists backed Ali.

Tensions Outside the Ring

Madison Square Garden needed extra security to handle the mix of celebrities, passionate fans, and political tensions. Police formed lines throughout the venue to manage the excited crowds.

Security created special paths for famous guests to move through the packed lobby. Garden staff received special training to handle potential protests related to Ali’s controversial status.

The Best Punches He’d Ever Seen

Arthur Mercante Sr., a respected boxing official, refereed the fight after careful selection by the New York State Athletic Commission. Judges Artie Aidala and Bill Retch scored from ringside.

In 1971, boxing used a round-by-round scoring system instead of today’s point system. Mercante scored 8-6-1 for Frazier, while Aidala and Retch scored 9-6 and 11-4, all favoring Frazier.

After the match, Mercante praised both fighters for throwing some of the best punches he’d seen in his long career.

Ali Dominates Early

Ali controlled the first five rounds with his speed and precise jabs, causing visible welts on Frazier’s face.

His quick footwork helped him circle away from Frazier’s power punches while landing his own shots. Frazier kept pushing forward but struggled to land his famous left hook against the dancing Ali.

The crowd roared as Ali showed the same skills that made him champion before his boxing ban. Ali seemed determined to prove he was still “the people’s champion” despite losing his official title.

Frazier Turns the Tide

By the sixth round, Ali slowed down noticeably. His years away from boxing had hurt his stamina for a 15-round fight. Frazier took advantage by increasing the pressure and landing more punches.

Frazier’s body shots and inside fighting shifted the momentum. By the eighth round, all three judges had Frazier ahead on their scorecards. In the eleventh round, Frazier landed a powerful left hook that staggered Ali.

The noise swelled as Frazier’s supporters sensed their fighter taking control.

The Decisive Final Round

In the 15th round, Frazier landed a perfect left hook that sent Ali crashing to the canvas. The crowd erupted at seeing the previously undefeated Ali on the floor, only the third knockdown of his career.

Ali got up at the count of four. Referee Mercante directed Frazier to a neutral corner while Ali recovered. Photographers captured this dramatic moment from all angles.

Though Ali finished the fight standing, this knockdown sealed his fate on the scorecards.

Lived Up to the Hype

Announcer Johnny Addie declared Frazier the winner by unanimous decision. Ali suffered his first professional loss while Frazier remained undefeated and confirmed as heavyweight champion.

Former NBA star Walt Frazier described the atmosphere after the fight: “I remember how the entire crowd just stood and remained in the arena well after the fight was over. We couldn’t believe what we just saw.”

Visiting Madison Square Garden

You can visit Madison Square Garden at 4 Pennsylvania Plaza in New York City. The Garden offers All Access Tours daily from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM that often include highlights from the “Fight of the Century.”

Tour prices range from $35-38 for adults and include access to the Garden’s memorabilia collection featuring photos, programs, and artifacts from the 1971 bout.

The MSG Vault exhibition space occasionally displays the original fight ring canvas and press credentials.

When visiting, look for the commemorative plaque in the concourse honoring the historic fight and the Wall of Fame featuring both boxers among MSG legends.

Read More from WhenInYourState.com:

The post Madison Square Garden’s All Access Tour Takes You Inside the Ring Where Ali Lost His First Fight appeared first on When In Your State.

Leave a Comment