Jose Napoles vs Clyde Gray

Jose Napoles successfully defended his WBC and WBA welterweight titles for the sixth time on September 22, 1973, against Canadian challenger Clyde Gray. The fight at Toronto's Maple Leaf Gardens was a testament to Napoles' ring intelligence and Gray's resilience, though the champion's dominance was evident throughout. Napoles, weighing 147 pounds, faced Gray, who was two pounds lighter.  

Gray suffered a crucial knockdown in the fifth round, a moment that significantly shifted momentum in the champion's favour. The Canadian's efforts to rally were evident, but Napoles showcased superior skill, maintaining control of the fight with sharp combinations and calculated footwork. Despite moments of determination, Grey struggled to match the Cuban-Mexican titleholder's precision.

This event marked a unique experiment in boxing scoring, as judges' scores were posted publicly after each round. Referee Jay Edson scored the contest 70-67, while judges Jose Juan Guerra and Tony Canzano had it 71-67 and 71-65, respectively, indicating a clear, unanimous victory for Napoles. An error in Edson's score initially led to the fight being announced as a split decision, but it was promptly corrected.

The bout also served as the inaugural event for the "Muhammad Ali Presents" series, with Ali introducing the card to the crowd. Promoted and matched by Don Elbaum, the fight attracted attention for its competitive narrative and experimental format. Napoles earned $120,000 for the defence, cementing his position as dominant in the welterweight division.