Today marks the 50 Anniversary of the “Fight Of The Century” - Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier. The fight was held at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. It marked the first time two undefeated heavyweights met for the title. Frazier was the WBC/WBA champ, while Ali was The Ring/lineal champ.

Frazier would win in a 15 round unanimous decision.

One of the interesting characters at this time was Parnell “Stacks” Edwards - Ali’s friend and bodyguard. Edwards went wherever Ali went during the time around the fight. Stacks was also a part-time musician and played in local clubs around the city. He also dabbled in small time criminal activities. He would eventually play a minor role in the Lufthansa heist, driving the getaway van. His failure to destroy the van after the crime would prove to be his undoing. He was killed by other members of the gang on December 18, 1978. Stacks was played by Samuel L. Jackson in the movie “Goodfellas”.