From The Phillyboxing Site

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SCOTT STOPS HART IN
CLASSIC PHILLY STRUGGLE

On this day in 1959, one of the most savage fights of all time occurred at Convention Hall. It was a 10-rounder for the PA state welter title, but what happened on that Monday night was much more than a state championship. Two good contenders fought their hearts out & left most of their careers in that ring. The record shows that Charley Scott won the fight by 9th round TKO. He won the bout, the state crown, & bragging rights in his bitter feud with Sugar Hart. But Hart dished out enough punishment in this war to bring him to the very brink of victory. He jumped out early & pressed his foe as hard as anyone could have. But in the end, Scott withstood the damage & managed to beat Hart back. Both fought gloriously and neither was ever the same. It was one of Philly boxing's greatest nights.

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SAXTON WINS WELTER CROWN FROM GAVILAN

On this day in 1954, Johnny Saxton, Newark, won the world welterweight championship from Cuban Kid Gavilan in a dull, pick-and-poke bout before 7,909 spectators at Philly's Convention Hall. To the astonishment of those on hand, the usually spectacular Gavilan seemed content to wait and wait and wait. As Saxton pressed the action and landed flurries, Gavilan just watched his title slip away. Only in the last round did he land a hard shot - and it hurt Saxton! Some figured it was the six-month lay-off Gavilan had that hurt his performance (those were the days when six months was considered a long lay-off!). Others wondered if it was an arranged result, the work of Saxton's notorious manager, Blinky Palermo. But in any case, Johnny Saxton became the 147-pound champ by 15-round unanimous decision.

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BRISCOE TOPPLES AROCHA

On this day in 1973, Bennie Briscoe beat Ruben Arocha of Mexico City by KO in round number three. Briscoe dominated the action from the outset. His ramrod jab started to make things happen right away. Before the first round was over, Bennie dropped the Mexican with a hard jab. In the second, he bloodied Arocha with the same weapon. With both his nose and left eye bleeding, and with no sight of light at the end of this fight's tunnel, Arocha began looking for a way back to Mexico. He found it in round three, courtesy of a Briscoe left hook. Arocha dropped to the floor, spit out his mouthpiece and took the count from referee Pete Tomasco. It was Bennie's fifth headlining show at the Spectrum and the win raised his record to 47-12-1 (40 KO). A crowd of 3,109 boxing fans watched the show which was loaded with other five knockouts.

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SHULER WINS NABF BELT

On this day in 1982, James "Black Gold" Shuler won the NABF middle-weight championship with a twelve-round decision over Sugar Ray Seales at the Great George Resort in McAfee, NJ. Seales won Olympic gold in 1972 and had a fine pro career. He brought a record of 55-7-3 (32 KO) into the Shuler fight. Black Gold lost his opportunity to vie for an Olympic medal when the US boycotted the 1980 games. He turned pro that same year and compiled a 12-0 (11 KO) leading up to the Seales fight. In his toughest test to date, Shuler won the unanimous verdict & took the NABF title with the win. Seales fought just one more time (a KO win), but ended his career with two detached retinas. Shuler kept the title until his 1986 loss to Thomas Hearns, which was his last bout. He died one week later in a motorcycle crash.

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SAAD BEATS LOPEZ

On this day in 1978, Matthew Saad Muhammad, then Matthew Franklin, waged another of his thrilling, legendary Spectrum wars - this time against perennial contender Yaqui Lopez. Saad survived some difficult moments but rallied to stop Lopez on a cut in Round 11. With the win, he became the #1 contender for the WBC world title, held by old rival Marvin Johnson. Matthew would win that title in his next fight, & go on to make eight successful defenses, in one of the most storied title reigns in Philly boxing history. But this fight against Lopez would mark the end of an era. Although Saad would fight one more time at the Spectrum - a disastrous attempt to win back his world title in 1982 - this fight with Lopez capped his incredible run at the renowned Philly fight arena that included his pro debut and 14 other breath-taking bouts.

After beating Lopez, Matthew Franklin (Saad Muhammad) left the nest and moved on to the budding world of casino boxing and the fame of national TV. However, Saad's battles down on Broad and Pattison were the last of their kind in Philly's great history. Furthermore, 1978, the best year in Spectrum history, was really the beginning of the end of old-time boxing in the city. Before long, all the major bouts would be staged in Atlantic City & Las Vegas, and the golden era of Philadelphia boxing would be a thing of the past.

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JOLTIN' JEFF IS MIGHTY
IN 6TH DEFENSE

On this day in 1982, WBA bantam-weight champion Jeff Chandler defended his title for the sixth time. His victim on this occasion was Miguel Iriarte of Panama who came into the ring at the Resorts International Superstar Theatre in Atlantic City with a 12-1 record and a number one ranking. But Joltin' Jeff was in prime condition and a far better fighter than his challenger. Iriarte had no chance that Wednesday evening. Chandler was strong for a bantam, and he showed his power in this scheduled 15-rounder. Jeff started landing and banged Iriarte out in the ninth round. Chandler went on to make three more successful defenses before losing his crown against Richie Sandoval in his last fight. On the under card of Chandler-Iriarte, Richie Kates bombed out Richie Bennett in round four & Victor Pappa KO'd Herb Darrity.

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COOL BEATS THE CHAMP

On this day in 1936, Eddie Cool, the Tacony Flash, beat lightweight champ Lou Ambers in a 10-round non-title contest. More than 7,000 fans were in attendance at the Arena to watch Cool out fight the champ from Herkimer, NY. A strong finish in the last two rounds sealed the split decision for Cool. But because the fight was scheduled as an over-the-weight-non-title bout, Ambers left Philly with his crown intact. The win lifted Cool to #1 contender in the 135 pound ranks and made him the toast of the division. However, the quality of his effort - certainly his career highlight - proved to hurt him in the long run. Ambers was rather cool to the idea of a rematch with Eddie and never granted him one. The wins kept coming for Cool, but a title shot did not. He would end his career with an 89-28-14 record and with the reputation as an avoided fighter.

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HAYWARD SURPRISES GRIFFITH AT SPECTRUM

On this day in 1968, Stanley "Kitten" Hayward enjoyed perhaps the biggest win of his career when he out pointed the great Emile Griffith over ten rounds at the Spectrum. The fight was so close that many complained about the decision - especially Griffith's trainer Gil Clancy. But Kitten took the split decision before a small crowd of 4,335. It was the fight's stakes and the quality of his opposition that make many feel this was Hayward's best win. (Although it makes a good argument, his TKO of Curtis Cokes will always be #1 in this opinion.) But it was this win over Griffith that earned Kitten a shot at the vacant jr. middleweight championship against Freddie Little. After his 15-round decision loss in the championship bout, Hayward & Griffith would fight again with Emile winning over twelve rounds at the Garden.

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GYPSY JOE SURVIVES CASSIDY

On this day in 1967, Gypsy Joe Harris won a unanimous ten-round decision decision over New York's Irish Bobby Cassidy at the Philadelphia Arena to push his pro record to 22-0 with 8 KOs. Harris started fast and clowned his way to an early lead. But his apparent lack of training resulted in a slow fade over the second half of the fight. As Harris weakened, Cassidy surged and came on very strong in the last act of the fight. In round nine, Cassidy dropped Harris with a left hook. Joe took the eight count, got up and had to hustle in the very last round to secure the decision. He got all three votes, but the Arena crowd of 4,689 booed loudly. This was one of the few fights that Harris failed to win clearly. Unbeknownst to everyone, Harris only had three more fights remaining in his career. He would retire for good in 1968 with a record of 24-1.

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BORN ON THIS DAY:
TYRONE CRAWLEY

North Philly lightweight star, Tyrone Crawley, was born on this day in 1958. Crawley turned pro in October of 1980 with a 6-round decision over Isidro Ruiz at the Arena. He zipped through seven opponents with his speedy & slick southpaw style before entering the ESPN tournament in 1982. Tyrone beat Ernest Bing and Al "Earthquake" Carter to claim the network's 135-pound title. From then on, Crawley was into the big time. He beat Gene Hatcher & Anthony Murray before losing for the first time to Melvin Paul. He snapped back with a string of eight wins, including an elec-trifying bout with Robin Blake in Texas and his USBA title-winning match against Charlie "Choo-Choo" Brown. He lost his bid for a world title by TKO against Livingstone Bramble in 1986. Happy birthday to Tyrone Crawley!

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SUGAR HART NAMED AS NEXT GRAVESTONE RECIPIENT

We are happy to announce that legendary Philly welterweight, Garnet "Sugar" Hart will be the third boxer to receive a monument in our Gravestone Program. Hart won a national champion-ship as an an amateur and went 29-7-2 (22 KO) as a pro. He participated in many memorable battles, most notably his war with Charley Scott in 1959. That fight was so savage that neither boxer was ever the same afterward. Hart thrilled fans in Philly, New York Chicago, Atlantic City, Miami and on TV. Garnet passed away in 2003 at age 67. In addition to placing a gravestone, we will also inter his ashes at Merion Memorial Park. After Hart, we will move on to the next name on our long list of recipients, Eddie Cool. For more information on how you can help us with this project, please click here.

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2007 - GARNET
"SUGAR" HART

Garnet "Sugar" Hart, one of the finest amateur boxers ever to come out of Philadelphia, won the 1954 National AAU lightweight amateur champion-ship. He turned pro later that same year and became one of the city's most popular attractions. His style was reminiscent of Ray Robinson - quick, slick, hard-punching, and sweet enough to earn him the same nickname of "Sugar". Hart headlined the last big outdoor boxing show at Connie Mack Stadium, facing Gil Turner in 1958. The following year, Hart battled Charley Scott at Convention Hall in perhaps the greatest war in Philly boxing history. Garnet retired from the ring in 1961 and died on October 15, 2003 at age 67. He was cremated one week later. Later this year, Philly Boxing History.com will inter his ashes and place a headstone on Hart's grave at Merion Memorial Park in Bala Cynwyd, PA.

Photos of Hart's gravestone will be added once it it placed.

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Blue Horizon's Boxing Debut

November 3, 1961

On this day in 1961, the Blue Horizon debuted as a boxing venue with a fight-card promoted by Marty Kramer and headlined by George Benton. Benton won the bout - a 3rd round KO over Chico Corsey - and the Blue Horizon went on to become one of the great boxing clubs in the country.

Originally built as a residential property in the 1800s and later converted to a Moose Lodge, the Blue Horizon's boxing life began when fight promoter Jimmy Toppi purchased it in 1960. Originally named "Toppi's Auditorium", the now legendary Blue was home to many great Philly boxing stars including Harold Johnson, Gypsy Joe Harris, Matthew Saad Muhammad, Jeff Chandler, Tim Witherspoon, Willie 'The Worm' Monroe, Bobby 'Boogaloo' Watts, Cyclone Hart, Bennie Briscoe, Kitten Hayward and many others.

The Blue Horizon steadily hosted shows between 1961 and 1964 before going almost completely quiet. Then in 1969, upstart promoter Russell Peltz launched his Hall of Fame career there with a string of 15 fight cards that ran through 1971. Peltz moved on to bigger venues while former World Lightweight Champ Bob Montgomery promoted a few shows at the Blue. Then things got quiet again. Even though Peltz returned in the mid 1970's for occasional promotions, the arena mostly endured long stretches of inactivity until the mid-1980's.

In 1986, with Peltz back as the house promoter on a regular basis, USA Network discovered the venue and regularly featured it on their popular cable TV broadcasts. This exposure helped to spread the word and before long Philly had another great boxing star - The Blue Horizon.

Today the arena is alive and well, still standing at 1314 North Broad Street. It was recently named as an official Philadelphia historical site, and still regularly hosts boxing cards. It is still one of the best places to watch a fight.


Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Used with permission.

Visit the Blue Horizon Web site

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VALDEZ TOPS BENNIE AGAIN

On this day in 1977, Columbian Rodrigo Valdez scored a 15-round decision over Bennie Briscoe in a fight for the vacant world middleweight crown. The title went up for grabs when Carlos Monzon, conqueror of both Valdez & Briscoe, retired from the ring. This fight was a nationally televised bout between the old rivals who had fought twice before. In their first meeting in 1973, Valdez won a 12-round decision. Their rematch one year later ended in a stunning 7th round stoppage of Briscoe after he established a lead on the cards. This was the only time Bennie was stopped in his 20-year career. In 1977, their last match was a split decision but most of the 800 on-site observers and the TV audience thought Valdez won by an easier margin. The fight proved to be Bennie's last time in a championship ring, although he had many nice wins still left in his tank.

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GYPSY JOE MAKES PRO DEBUT

On this day in 1964, Gypsy Joe Harris made his professional debut with a 2nd round KO of Fred Walker in Wor-chester, MA. It was the start of an incredible run. Over the first two years of his brief career, Harris steadily im-proved, impressing with wins over Jose Meyers, CL Lewis, and Johnny Knight. In 1966, he turned things upside down with a surprisingly dominant performance over the seasoned (and ranked) Stanley "Kitten" Hayward. In an electrifying victory, Harris rose from the canvas to stop Hayward on cuts in round seven. It was just Gypsy's 15th bout. The fans loved Harris and he became one of the city's biggest attractions. Predictions that he'd one day be a champion seemed confirmed when he beat welterweight king Curtis Cokes in a 1967 non-title fight. It appeared that his coronation was just a matter of time. However, an eye injury forced Harris to retire at age 22.

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LEN MATTHEWS
MAKES PRO DEBUT

On this day in 1957, Len Matthews made his professional debut with a 3rd round TKO of Charles Carter at the Cambria A.C. while still a senior at Simon Gratz High School. Matthews thrilled the crowd with his fast and heavy hands, and had the best fight of the night, according to the newspaper accounts of the match. He reeled off fifteen straight victories at the start of his career and became an instant attraction, a fan favorite and was quickly considered a sure bet to become champion. At the height of his promise, he took on Carlos Ortiz in 1959 but was stopped in six rounds. However, Matthews rebounded with an impressive streak that brought him to the number one lightweight contender spot. Although he never made it to a championship bout, he compiled a 42-10-3 (29 KO) overall record.

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BUCCA HAMMERS
LAROVER AT THE MET

On this day in 1945, South Philadelphia lightweight Santa Bucca won a lopsided 8-round decision over George LaRover at the Met. This pair fought earlier that year with Bucca winning the first time as well - but by a much closer margin. In their 2nd bout, there was no question about the verdict. After dropping the 1st round to the Kensington fighter, Bucca swept the remaining 7 sessions and won a very wide unanimous decision. Bucca was so effective with his crushing body work that LaRover sustained two injured ribs during the match. A crowd of about 2,000 was on hand. The victory raised Bucca's record to 28-6-1 with 7 KOs. He would fight 41 more times over the next six years. LaRover dropped to 38-8-2 (21 KOs) with the loss. His career would continue for seven more years, with 48 more starts still to come.

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SUGAR HART NAMED AS NEXT GRAVESTONE RECIPIENT

We are happy to announce that legendary Philly welterweight, Garnet "Sugar" Hart will be the third boxer to receive a monument in our Gravestone Program. Hart won a national champion-ship as an an amateur and went 29-7-2 (22 KO) as a pro. He participated in many memorable battles, most notably his war with Charley Scott in 1959. That fight was so savage that neither boxer was ever the same afterward. Hart thrilled fans in Philly, New York Chicago, Atlantic City, Miami and on TV. Garnet passed away in 2003 at age 67. In addition to placing a gravestone, we will also inter his ashes at Merion Memorial Park. After Hart, we will move on to the next name on our long list of recipients, Eddie Cool. For more information on how you can help us with this project, please click here.

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FLETCHER KO'D ALONG WITH HOPES FOR HAGLER FIGHT

On this day in 1983, Frank "The Animal" Fletcher faced Argentina's Juan Roldan with a title shot against the mighty Marvin Hagler hanging in the balance. Hagler fought Roberto Duran in the main event on this same night in Las Vegas. Although Roldan had an excellent record (51-2-2), he had fought mostly in his home country against lesser-known opposition. The rough and tumble crowd pleaser, Fletcher, seemed poised to win this one and secure the big fight. But on this night Roldan made his big splash and skewered Fletcher, scoring a 6th round KO. Hagler defeated Duran by 15-round decision, setting up the championship bout with Roldan. Juan made his challenge four months later and looked pretty good before losing to Marvin by TKO in the 10th. Fletcher would have never beaten Hagler, but what a fight that would have been.

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CHANDLER TAKES BANTAM CROWN VS SOLIS

On this day in 1980, Joltin' Jeff Chandler won the WBA bantamweight champ-ionship with a 14th round TKO over Julian Solis at the Miami Jai-Alai Fronton. It was Chandler's 24th straight win and raised his pro record to 24-0-1 (12 KO). For Solis his very first loss (21-1) also claimed his title in his first defense. The victory for Chandler began one of the most distinguished title reigns in Philly boxing history. Early the following year, Jeff would make the first of nine successful defenses. In July of 1981, Solis would try to take back his title from Chandler in Atlantic City but Joltin' Jeff turned him back after seven rounds. Chandler reached his peak in 1982-1983 with defenses over Johnny Carter and Gaby Canizales. He would eventually lose his title by 15th round TKO to Richie Sandoval in 1984.

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BRISCOE SURVIVES SCARE,
WINS AT SPECTRUM

On this day in 1971, Bennie Briscoe had a close call in the 1st round of his fight with Rafael Gutierrez. Bennie entered the ring as top contender eyeing a shot at champion Carlos Monzon. So perhaps he was thinking about his eventual trip to Buenos Aires when, just 30 seconds into the bout, Gutierrez nailed Briscoe with a lightning bolt of a right. Bennie's usually granite chin betrayed him & he staggered into the ropes. Gutierrez moved in to finish the job & dropped him with a barrage. Bennie rose but was met by another attack & fell again. He got up again & somehow survived 1:30 of abuse before the bell saved him. Round 2 was a different story. Briscoe came out and pounded his tormentor with hard shots and scored a KO at 2:17. For Rafael Gutierrez, Bennie Briscoe would always be the one that got away.

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BORN ON THIS DAY:
TWO PHILLY GREATS

Two of Philly's finest boxers were born on this date, 5 years apart. Heavyweight contender Jimmy Young was born in 1948. Young turned pro in 1969 at the Blue Horizon with a 1st round KO but went just 8-4-1 during his first 5 years in the ring. He hit his most consistent stride in '74 & '75 and faced Muhammad Ali for the title in 1976. Young lost that fight by a margin so small that fans are still talking about it. He ended his career 33-19-2 in 1988. Slick boxing motor-mouth Jerome Artis was born in 1953. He won the national AAU title as an amateur and was eyed as a sure bet to become champion as a pro. Ultimately he had a see-saw career, scoring many good wins especially early on. But as his career progressed he seemed more interested in paydays than victories and ended 27-27-4. Both men have passed away.

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ARREDONDO STOPS GOSS

On this day in 1970, Trenton's Sammy Goss, coming off his big win over Augie Pantellas, ran into a tougher than expected customer in Mexico's Ricardo Arredondo. Although more experienced (50-4) than Goss (19-1), Arredondo was considered a stepping stone for Sammy, who was riding high as the best featherweight from the east. Goss, stylish in his own right, was totally outclassed by his foe, who made it look easy. He started by landing his jab, then built upon it with hard right hands & heavy com-binations for four rounds. In the fifth, Ricardo dropped Sammy for the first time in his career. Goss got to his feet but was in serious danger. Ricardo jumped on him with another combin-ation that cut Goss over the left eye. Moments later Sammy's corner stopped it. Arredondo went on to KO Pantellas before becoming a champion in 1971.

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BRISCOE & HART BATTLE TO CLASSIC DRAW

On this day in 1975, Bennie Briscoe & Eugene "Cyclone" Hart faced off at the Spectrum in a 10-round middleweight bout. The posters for the fight read "You Asked For It!" and a large crowd of 11,021 came to the South Philly venue to get it. And get it, they did. In one of the best matches of the Spectrum's golden era, two of the most popular attractions, both famous for thrilling wars and heavy punching, went toe-to-toe for ten astounding rounds and together created one of the city's most memorable fights.

War was waged in every part of the ring one round at a time. In every round, both men worked hard to end the affair, but each had a tough nut to crack. Cyclone started fast and won the early rounds. Both men landed their shots, but Cyclone was quicker and able to do more when the fight stayed at a distance. But Bennie rumbled back on the inside. The battle went back and forth, often in the same round.

Briscoe hurt Hart in rounds 3, 7, & 8. So groggy was Hart in the 8th, that his fog carried on well into the 9th. But Briscoe was tired by then and failed to put Hart away when he seemed to have the chance. In the last round, Cyclone staged a comeback and took the 10th with heavy artillery, as his older foe faded.

In the end, the fight was declared a draw. Some observers thought Bennie should have gotten the nod, albeit by the slightest of margins, while others felt Cyclone had sealed it with his last round rally. Somehow, the even scorecard seemed to fit best.

Although the match was clearly Philadelphia's best fight that year, Ring Magazine named this fight 1975's second best bout, with top honors going to the immortal "Thrilla in Manila", Ali-Frazier III.

Briscoe and Hart would fight a rematch five months later with a very different result. The second time around, Bennie jumped out and KO'd Cyclone in the first round.

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BEAU JACK TAKES BACK TITLE FROM BOB MONTGOMERY

On this day in 1943, Bob Montgomery and Beau Jack fought the second of their four classic Madison Square Garden bouts. In this encounter, new champion Montgomery, who had taken the light-weight title from Jack six months before, made his first title defense. In a whirlwind fight, typical of their series, Beau Jack regained his crown via 15-round decision. Montgomery was the harder puncher, and he hurt Jack a few times, but Beau was just too energetic, quick and determined in this rematch. He rushed his way into the exchanges and busily out-worked his rival. By the end of the fight, Jack seemed tired and unable to match Montgomery's late surge. But by then, Jack had the decision & the title in the bag. The pair would square off twice more with each winning once. Their series ended 2-2.

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MONTGOMERY DEFENDS AGAINST MOUZON

On this day in 1946, "Bobcat" Bob Montgomery lived up to his nickname in a rematch with teenage phenom Wesley Mouzon. Montgomery avenged a KO loss at the fists of Mouzon of three months prior with his own KO victory in 8 rounds. Mouzon shocked Montgom-ery & the boxing world by stopping the lightweight champ in a non-title bout on 8/19/46. It was the biggest win of Mou-zon's career & seemed to signal he would take the crown in the 2nd bout. The betting odds were 8-5 in Wesley's favor. But it was Montgomery who came out on top this time. This rematch was staged at Convention Hall before 12,416 fans. Sadly, Mouzon was forced to quit the ring afterward due to a detached retina. Montgomery would hold his title until 1947.

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GRAZIANO CHILLS JOHNSON
Excerpt By Lanse McCurley
Rocky Graziano put the chill on Honey Chile Johnson 48 seconds after the bell started the fourth round of their battle before 8500 fans at Convention Hall last night. It was a right that did the trick, the kind of right they use in fiction stories. It swept up and over Johnson's left and hit his jaw and he just fell away from it, slid away, and went down, turned over on his belly, and was counted out. It was a punch he had been asking for ever since the first bell of the first round sent the two into action. Instead of fighting the smart way and taking advantage of his greater speed and skill, Honey Chile went into the fight as though it were all his and just a matter of time. You got the impression Johnson was the fellow with the knockout punch and Graziano was the boxer. In other words, he reversed roles. Daily News 11/28/50

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ROBBERY AT
THE SPECTRUM!!!

On November 30, 1976, more than sixteen thousand boxing fans packed the Spectrum to see South Philly Southpaw Tyrone Everett take his shot at a world championship. What they saw that night was an impressive showing by the hometown sensation who by most accounts won at least 10 of the 15 rounds. Everett outfought Escalera throughout the bout, but his only flaw as a fighter - a tendency to be over cautious - came into play and wound up costing him dearly. Everett's failure to stop Escalera when he had the chance, opened the door for the champion. As it turned out, being around for the final bell was all that Alfredo Escalera needed. In one of the worst decisions in boxing history, the judges awarded Escalera a highly dubious, split decision victory.

Tom Cushman of the Daily News said "Tyrone Everett won the junior lightweight championship of the world last night. Won it with a whirling, artistic, courageous performance that brushed against the edges of brilliance. Tyrone was standing tall, proud, bleeding in his corner after the 15 rounds, waiting for the championship belt to be draped around his waist, when they snatched it from him. Picked him so clean it's a wonder they didn't take his shoes and trunks along with everything else."

It was Escalera's seventh title defense. He would go on to make three more successful defenses before losing his title to Alexis Arguello in 1978.

The defeat was Everett's first in 35 fights. He took the loss in stride, knowing in his heart that he would be sure to take the championship as soon as he got another chance. But that title chance never came.

Six months after the Escalera bout, after two subsequent fights and with negotiations for a rematch underway, Tyrone Everett was shot and killed by his girlfriend in South Philadelphia. Everett, who had the potential to perhaps become the best Philly fighter ever, was only 24 when he died on May 26, 1977.

The title fight between Alfredo Escalera and Tyrone Everett still holds the record for the highest attendance in a Pennsylvania indoor boxing match (16,109).

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LISTON DEMOLISHES WESTPHAL AT HALL
On this day in 1961, future heavyweight champion Charles 'Sonny' Liston made quick work of Albert Westphal at Philadelphia's Convention Hall. The job only lasted one minute and fifty-eight seconds and with the KO win, Sonny put the finishing touches on his pursuit of champ Floyd Patterson. But the fear after the fight was that perhaps Liston had again looked too imposing and that the Patterson match would continue to elude him. However, after this one, there was just nowhere left for Patterson to hide. It was official - Liston had clinched the title shot he'd been waiting for. The following September, in his next bout, Sonny took the crown from Floyd with a another 1st round KO, becoming the first man to take the heavyweight title so fast. In the rematch, Liston repeated with another 1-round win.