Frazier Vs Quarry-June 23rd, 1969 NY
Joe Frazier had won the New York State Title over a year earlier from Buster Mathis. In 5 states Frazier's title was recognized as the world title and this would be a world title fight. After defeating his old advisory Mathis, Frazier beat Manuel Ramos, Oscar Bonavena and Dave Zyglewicz to defend his title. Bonavena had given Frazier trouble earlier in his career, but Frazier beat him easier this time. Frazier had a record of 23-0 with 20 knockouts. Jerry Quarry was coming off 5 straight wins including wins over Charley Reno and Buster Mathis. Quarry was a good puncher and this fight most figured to be a war. Quarry had a record of 31-2-4 with 18 Ko's. This was a highly anticipated fight and these two warriors did nothing to disappoint.

Here's the fight as I saw it.-Green are the round scores as I scored it, red is important text like a cut, great punch or knockdown.

Round 1- They are digging punches to each others body right from the opening bell. Furious pace, both fighters not taking a backward step. Furious action as Quarry lands continuos left hooks to the body, he's getting the better of it early. An absolutely fantastic round, this fight is starting great!!
Quarry's Round- 10-9

Round 2- Great right early from Quarry, Quarry has a bloody nose. They are still going toe to toe on the inside. Quarry is still doing great work on the inside, what a furious pace for a title fight.
Quarry's Round- 10-9  (20-18) Quarry

Round 3- Frazier begins the round with a great left, right combination. Quarry looks stunned a little, Frazier is pushing the action and winging punches to Quarry's midsection. Frazier looks stronger now.
Frazier's Round- 10-9  (29-28) Quarry

Round 4- Frazier swarming Quarry. Close action inside, this fight could be in a phone booth. Great hooks form Frazier, he's starting to slow Quarry done a little. Frazier is in command of the fight now.
Frazier's Round- 10-9  (38-38) Even

Round 5- Quarry backing off a little, Frazier looking great and is coming forward with complete aggression. Frazier digging shots to the mid-section. Quarry is trying to fight back gamely.
Frazier's Round- 10-9  (48-47) Frazier

Round 6- Quarry is getting hit a lot, great hooks from Frazier to the body, action slows down for the first time, Joe then presses the pace again. Quarry has lost the snap he had earlier in the fight.
Frazier's Round- 10-9  (58-56) Frazier

Round 7- Quarry's face is a mess from the punishment he's taken. A large cut is bleeding profusely now from Quarry's eye. Quarry is getting slugged against the ropes, Jerry is fighting back, but unsuccessfully. Big Round for Frazier. Frazier's Round- 10-9  (68-65) Frazier

In between rounds 7 and 8 the referee stops the fight because of the bad cut to Quarry's eye, Joe Frazier out battles the game Jerry Quarry. Frazier-TKO 7

The first round of this fight was an absolute classic. The two fighters gave each other all they had, Frazier was in better shape for the fight and his endurance more then anything proved the difference. The cut only ended things sooner, Frazier would have eventually knocked out Quarry I feel. Jerry Quarry had a lot of fight left in him, and although he never fought for a title again, he had many more exciting fights and upsets of highly regarded super fighters. Joe Frazier was on his way to one of the best careers in heavyweight history. Soon after this fight he would get his chance to fight Jimmy Eliss for the "true" world title and decide who the real champion was.