March 8th in NYC History
Posted: Mar 8, 2013 | 12:21 PM
by Jared Goldstein
1971: "The Fight of the Century:" Undefeated Heavyweight Champion Joe Frazier defeated undefeated Muhammad Ali by decision at Madison Square Garden. It was Ali's return to boxing after being jailed as a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War.
Ali viciously taunted Frazier, making it personal. They were to meet each other two more times, which Ali would win.
[Frazier unanimously beats Ali at MSG in the Fight of the Century . It was Frazier's 27th straight win, and Ali's first defeat after 31 in the pros. This was Ali's return to boxing after three years off due to his resistance to the Vietnam War. It was also after Ali taunting Frazier with name calling and insults. Ali won the second match by a decision, and the third was conceded by Frazier's trainer due to injury.]
My brush with fame: My parents publicized Joe Frazier, and MSG was my father's home turf. My mother designed Frazier's flowered satin robe and shorts. He was man enough to wear a clover pattern.
I'll provide pictures next year.
1999: New York Yankees slugger Baseball Hall of Famer Joltin Joe DiMaggio died at 84. He helped bring the Yankees nine championships.
There is a picture of him and my Dad at the Carnegie Deli that I will try to find for you.
March 8th was an up and down day for my Dad who was close to Frazier and who loved the Yankees.
2013: Sulaiman Abu Ghaith, Osama bin Laden's son-in-law and ally, appeared in Federal Court for prosecution.
Until Guantanamo, most terrorists have been convicted in NYC's Federal Courts.
We see these courts on Downtown tours, Municipal District tours, and other tours.
If you would like to comment on this, please click on Facebook "Like" to the lower left and discuss there.