Undefeated George Foreman took on fellow American Ken Norton in the second defence of his heavyweight titles on this day, 42 years ago, in Caracas, Venezeula.
Norton came into this bout with the reputation of having broken the jaw of great Muhammad Ali on way to a split decision victory. After an even first round, Foremen had Norton on the ropes in the second with the referee signalling a knockdown.
But all the drama was outside the ring when the Venezuelan government backtracked on a tax waiver and demanded 18 per cent from both boxer’s purses, stopping them at the airport. Norton had to part with nearly $50,000 and Foreman $300,000 leading to the bout being termed as ‘The Caracas Caper’.
Here’s other memorable sports events that happened on this day:
1863: The first steeplechase under National Hunt rules took place at Market Harborough in Leicester.
1959: Pakistan all-rounder Mushtaq Mohammad becomes the then youngest to make his Test debut at 15 years and 124 against the West Indies at Lahore.
1992: New York Rangers clinch first NHL regular season championship in 50 years.
2008: David Beckham won his 100th England cap in a 1-0 international friendly defeat to France in Paris.
