Remembering the day the great Muhammad Ali came to Washington
Four bouts, thousands of fans and a legacy to last a lifetime
He was the greatest and perhaps you were there when sporting legend Muhammad Ali boxed four different opponents on Wearside.
It happened in 1977 when the heavyweight champion of the world fought at the Sporting Club of Washington.
The Louisville Lip in Washington
He stepped into the ring after posing for photographs and the crowd quickly showed their appreciation.
After going through the motions with Reg Long and Bruce Wells - an experience they will surely treasure - Ali then had a playful three minutes with Johnny Walker.
He was knocked down three times
The final bout was against the former British, Commonwealth and European champion Richard Dunn who was really looking forward to it.
He had a tremendous week-end in the North East and also visited South Tyneside.
Exhausted after a fantastic stay in the North East
He had agreed to a four-day visit to raise funds for boys’ clubs on the suggestion of ex-South Shields boxer Johnny Walker.
Thousands packed the streets of Jarrow and South Shields to see Ali pass by in an open-topped bus on his way to have his marriage blessed in the town’s mosque.
Thousands lined the streets
By the time he got to Stanhope Road, South Shields, the pavements were packed with eager fans.
He also attended a huge banquet in Newcastle’s Mayfair Ballroom and Ali told the audience how the trip’s organising committee had sent him 14 return air tickets.
He gave so much to charity
He said: "When I’m in a big fight, I accept air tickets and accommodation because the promoters are making a lot of money, but this is for charity so I can’t accept all this. I am giving back the money for the tickets and that is around £7,000.
"I just want to do all I can for your youngsters."
On the day he returned to the USA, he was due to leave at 11am to get home.
If you got to see Ali during his visit to the region, tell us more by emailing [email protected]