Fighters Only

Issue 148

December 2016

The magic moments that made New York City’s Madison Square Garden one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues.

NOVEMBER 2016, UFC IN NYC

It’s been too long since The Garden has seen a historic sporting event. Something a bit special usually happens when the UFC needs it most, and after a two-decade battle to return to the Empire State, this event has all the hallmarks of one of the greatest nights in both MMA and MSG history.

MARCH 2009, MARATHON

The epic Big East Tournament quarterfinal went into overtime and then some. Syracuse and the University of Connecticut played six extra periods lasting three hours and 46 minutes

before Syracuse won 127-117. The game officially ended at 1:22am. It’s the second-longest game in Division I history.

DECEMBER 2006, BUZZER BEATER

Tied with the Charlotte Bobcats with 0.1 seconds left to play, a third overtime looked all but certain for the Knicks – until Jamal Crawford hooked up with David Lee to provide an ally-oop buzzer-beater.

It was a moment of magic Bobcats’ boss Michael Jordan would have been proud of.

SEPTEMBER 2001, LAND OF THE FREE

Originally scheduled for September 15th 2011, Bernard Hopkins and Felix Trinidad was pushed back to the 25th following 9/11.

Now it was bigger than just a boxing match.

Hopkins said it was America’s chance to show its resolve. He pulled off the upset to win by TKO to chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!”

APRIL 1999, THE GREAT ONE RETIRES

Two national anthems were played for Wayne Gretzky’s last match – even though the Rangers played the Pittsburgh Penguins. Bryan Adams ad-libbed, “We’re going to miss you, Wayne Gretzky” during O Canada, while John Amirante sang, “In the land of Wayne Gretzky,” during the American anthem.

MARCH 1999, UNDISPUTED

The WBA, IBF, WBC and lineal heavyweight championships were on the line when Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis set the record for the highest-grossing gate in MSG history.

Fans were thrilled by the Brit’s performance, but shocked by the controversial judges’ decision, which ruled the fight a draw.

JUNE 1994, "MATTEAU!" X3

In Game 7 of the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals against the Devils, Stephane Matteau scored deep into second overtime to put the Rangers in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Famously, as the puck snuck into the net, radio play-by-play man Howie Rose repeatedly screamed the matchwinner’s name.

JUNE 1993, THE DUNK

The Knicks were ahead by three during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals heading into the final minute. Then, in one of the most famous plays in the franchise’s history, John Starks drove past the Bulls defense to perform ‘The Dunk’ over Michael Jordan and Horace Grant to and the arena exploded.

MARCH 1985, WRESTLEMANIA I

The WrestleMania phenomenon was born at The Garden. In the first main event, Hulk Hogan and Mr T claimed a dramatic victory over ‘Rowdy’ Roddy Piper and ‘Mr Wonderful’ Paul Orndor in a tag team match.

The main fight also featured special guest referee Muhammad Ali and Liberace as timekeeper.

JUNE 1972, STONE SUCCESS

The 29th fight of Roberto Duran’s career was his second fight at MSG, but the first time he won a world title.

‘Hands of Stone’ collected The Ring and WBA belts and became the lineal lightweight champion, to begin his tenure as the greatest boxer in the division’s history.

MARCH 1971, FIGHT OF THE CENTURY

Celebrities packed ringside for the most anticipated heavyweight fight in more than 30 years.

Muhammed Ali and Joe Frazier were both undefeated and while Frazier started slowly, he soon started to dominate. Ali had his moments, but was dropped in the 15th round en route to a unanimous points loss.

MAY 1970, KNICK'S FIRST NBA TITLE

Against the odds, Willis Reed stepped out for Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals having missed the previous game through injury.

He made the game’s first two shots to send home fans into a frenzy before Clyde Frazier took over – racking up 36 points and 19 assists to lead his team to their first championship.