MUHAMMAD, MATTHEW SAAD-RICHIE KATES SOUVENIR PROGRAM (1978)

HISTORY: On February 10, 1978 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia light heavyweights Matthew Saad Muhammad and Richie Kates fought for the NABF Light Heavyweight Title. Muhammad prevailed stopping Franklin in the 6th round. "Philadelphia's Matthew Franklin (Matthew Saad Muhammad) took a big step up in the light heavyweight ratings when he knocked out Richie Kates in the 6th round of a pier six brawl. After losing the first two rounds, Kates rallied in the 3rd and 4th. He dropped Matt with only seconds remaining in the round. When the auto bell failed to sound, the referee jumped in to signal the end of the round. However, because Kates had not heard the bell, he figured the referee was stopping the fight. While he was celebrating, Franklin was back in his corner being revived. Franklin came out in the 5th as though nothing had happened. He sent Kates down late in the round with a right. It was a punch Richie couldn't recover from. In the 6th, he was dropped by a flurry of blows. Up at five on rubbery legs, he was being battered when the referee stepped in to end the fight." - International Boxing, June 1978 issue. Offered here is an original, souvenir program for this event.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, souvenir program picturing both fighters on cover. Stapled together at top left corner. 22 pages complete. Not scored. Clean inside and out. Mild center folds. 8 1/2" x 11."