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December 10, 1968
The Spectrum ~ Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Smokin' Joe Frazier ~ 21-0-0 {19 KO's} ~ 5' 11" ~ Reach; 73" ~ 203 lbs. ~ {Age; 24 years, 11 months}
vs.
Oscar 'Ringo' Bonavena ~ 38-4-0 {29 KO's} ~ 5' 10 1/2" ~ Reach 73 1/2" ~ 208 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 1 month}
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~ The Rematch ~
Both fighters in their 'prime' physical condition.
Joe Frazier was making the 2nd-Defense of his World Championship.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Paxtom
Smokin' Joe was listed as a {2-1} Betting-favorite, based upon his overall improvement
over the past 2-Years.
Joe Frazier >
"I was a green kid when I first fought Bonavena back in 1966. Now I'm stronger and smarter."
"I will 'smoke' Bonavena out in Round 6."
Oscar Bonavena >
"I beat Frazier the 1st-time, and everybody knows it. He got the 'luckiest' Decision ever."
"I will knock him out in the 10th Round, and bring the Championship back to South America."
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Undercard in Baltimore, Maryland
Sonny Liston vs. Amos 'Big Train' Lincoln
Sonny Liston >
"This is an 'Elimination Bout'. There are no tomorrows. I'll win big, and will be the next one
in line."
"It doesn't matter to me, Frazier or Bonavena. They both are the same type of fighter, straight
forward plodders with little style."
Amos 'Big Train' Lincoln >
"People forget that I was the #2 Heavyweight back in late-1966. I lost a stupid fight to Johnny Persol,
and that cost me a chance to get in the WBA Championship Tournament."
"Boxers give me trouble, not walk-in sluggers like 'old man' Sonny Boy. I'll take him out, just watch
and see. Then it will be Frazier or Bonavena. Both of those guys are made for me."
Thursday ~ December 5, 1968
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
~ The Oscar Bonavena Camp Cries Foul In Trying To Get Sparring Partners ~
Oscar Bonavena has had difficulty in getting qualified sparring-partners here in Philadelphia,
for his upcoming bout for the World Championship against Joe Frazier here on December 10th.
Oscar Bonavena >
"It is amazing. All the good fighters were supposed to be here in Philadelphia. As soon as I
get here, they all disappear or are not available. It sounds 'fishy' to me."
"Not one good Heavyweight is around. We had to beg Leotis Martin to help us out."
"I told Leotis, that after I knock out' Frazier, I will give him the 1st-Title defense.
December 6, 1968
~ Bonavena Has Trouble Getting Sparring Men ~
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