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HISTORY: On September 21, 1966 at Madison Square Garden in New York heavyweights Joe Frazier and Oscar Bonavena met in the featured match. Frazier won a close ten round split decision.
United Press International, September 22, 1966
Bull-like Oscar Bonavena, the burly, plodding fighter with the big mop of hair who calls himself "Ringo" and the "South American Beatle," has left Joe Frazier with wary memories of a "Hard Day's Night."
The lumbering 205-pounder from Buenos Aires doesn't have Frazier's potential of eventually becoming a classy fighter—but the 2-1 underdog gave Frazier the fight of his 14-month pro career Wednesday night before losing an unpopular 10-round split decision.
Bonavena decked Frazier twice in the second round but couldn't keep him there. The 203½ pound Frazier came back gamely with a relentless, punishing attack that gave him the close decision in the eyes of the judges, although most of the 9,069 fans at Madison Square Garden, who were Bonavena fans, booed the decision.
It was close enough to go either way with referee Mark Conn giving it to Frazier 6-4 in rounds, while judge Joe Eppy had Frazier 5-4-1. But judge Nick Gamboli had it 5-5 in rounds and Bonavena 7-5 on points. United Press International scored it 6-4 for Frazier.
It was unbeaten Frazier's 12th straight victory and kept him on his current timetable that he hopes eventually will lead to a shot at heavyweight champion Cassius Clay.
But unlike fighters who are always screaming for a shot at the champion, Frazier, the 1964 Olympic champion, still figures he's 18 months away from being ready for Clay.
Offered here is an original, official program for this event.
FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, official program consisting of 24 pages complete plus 4 page insert. Tight binding. Scored. Mild surface wear. Mild crease. Rear corner tear otherwise mild corner wear. 8 1/2" x 11."
