Ken Norton enters the ring, followed by Muhammed Ali.

Roslyn Kind, Barbra Streisand's sister, sings the National Anthem. Afterwards, everyone sits down despite the sounding of ten bells for the late New York Post columnist Milton Gross and the late Joe Frazier manager Yank Durham. I spot basketball star Rick Barry with his wife and father-in-law. The first fight has heavyweight contender Jerry Quarry — against journeyman Tony Doyle, but I miss the first knockdown because everyone stands up and I have pizza on my lap. Quarry blasts Doyle after the bell but no one cares because most of the crowd hasn't shown up yet and the rest are mingling in flashy groups. ABC cameras are taking it all in, which must mean Howard Cosell is somewhere near. I miss Quarry's second knockdown of Doyle while watching Milton Berle try to find his seat. Quarry wins by a TKO in the fourth.

Billy Ryan goes against Donnie Nelson in the second prelim. Though more people are now at the Forum, less people are watching. One of them is knocked out in 43 seconds of the first round but I miss this because I am focusing my camera. Four quick glances produce Heavyweight Champ George Foreman. French movie star Jean-Paul Belmondo. Buddy Hacket and Howard Cosell.

Another fight begins. I spot Danny Kaye and miss TKO at 30 seconds of the first round. I just brush elbows with Milton Berle and then block Gene Hackman's view and he asks me to move. Another fight is beginning. While staring down Redd Foxx, I bump into one of the Jackson Five. Four quick glances produce sportscasters Tom Harmon, Al Coupee, an effeminate Stu Mahan, and a swinging Sammy Davis Jr. The current fight ends after three rounds because of lateness. Local gossip says I missed Frank Sinatra, Jim Brown, and Andy Williams. Best fight of the night beings in the crowd.

Ken Norton enters the ring first for the main event followed by Muhammed Ali. I learn that what people are really yelling at boxing matches is "Down in front." An adrenalized Ali dances the entire first round, wins it easy, and goes to the wrong corner after it's over. Ali stands between rounds and does the Ali shuffle before he round begins. Ali dances but not much hitting. I call it even. Norton rooters shout, "Break his other jaw." Ali's manager Angelo Dundee is cool in his corner. Norton's trainer Eddie Futch shouts instructions from his. Plenty of empty seats at the Forum.

The third round is without hard action but Ali takes it due to quickness. Norton walks into an Ali left at 1:50 of the fourth round. Ali sits on the stool in his corner for the first time after a round-ending Norton right-hand stinger to Ali's had. Norton yells at Ali, "Take that." Norton wins the round.

Round five. Ali is putting his head down and getting caught in the corners. The crown is turning to Norton. Foreman goes to the bathroom. Ali wins the round. Ali keeps getting hit in the head and his hair gets bushed up showing its length. Ali gets hurt in the corners, comes back with rights, but still gets hit bad. Ali buddy Drew Bundini Brown is jumping up and down acting the fool in Ali's corner. Norton takes the round.

It's Norton again in the eighth. Ali is only dancing in short spurts. Chants of "Ali" are quieted quickly. Ali gets Norton good. Slow reflexes leaves him open for good Norton shots to his head and body. Ali comes back at the end. The best round. Wow! The ninth round (Ali wins) is the one to watch for on Wide World of Sports. Ali is just a routine fighter now. no longer can he match his outer histrionics with in-ring brilliance, but Ali takes the round with finesse and experience on winning points.

A big bettor on my right is sweating badly. He laid 1-4 on Ali. The San Diego match saw Ali lose in the last two rounds and he is doing it again. Both Norton and Ali are punched out, but Norton is stronger. Ali spurts at the end of the round but Norton wins it.

Round twelve. Whether condition or guts, probably a combination. Ali is going to win this fight. The fight's over! Bundini Brown jumps towards Ali and is hit by an Ali right. Ali is ticked and disappointed. I look at my card. It says 6-1-1 ALI. Emcee announces split decision. Ali 7-5. Norton 6-5-1. Ali 6-5-1. Ali is declared North American Heavyweight Champion, and there is a little jubilation in either corner. Belmondo and I remain with a few others to watch teh getaway fight. I mistake Hugh Hefner for Hugh O'Brien or vice-versa.