Fight Night Turns Into a Million Dollar Heist Against The Black Mafia Family on October 26, 1970 in Atlanta Georgia

On October 26, 1970, Atlanta, Georgia, became the stage for one of the most iconic moments in boxing history. After more than three years of exile from the sport, Muhammad Ali returned to the ring to fight Jerry Quarry. This fight was more than just a contest between two skilled fighters—it was a powerful statement of Ali’s resilience and determination to reclaim his title as the greatest boxer in the world. Ali had been stripped of his heavyweight title in 1967 after refusing to be drafted into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the conflict. His stance had made him a controversial figure, but it also cemented his legacy as a fighter both in and out of the ring.

The buildup to the fight was electric, drawing not only sports fans but also high-profile figures from the world of politics, entertainment, and crime. Atlanta was chosen as the venue because it was one of the few places that would license Ali to fight, and the city became a gathering spot for a wide range of people looking to witness history.

While the fight itself was historic, what happened afterward would become an infamous chapter in the history of Atlanta’s underworld.

Ali’s Comeback: The Fight Against Jerry Quarry

Ali’s match against Jerry Quarry was his first bout after being banned from boxing. The fight took place at the City Auditorium in Atlanta, a venue packed with eager fans, celebrities, and even some notorious figures from the criminal world. Ali’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He outclassed Quarry, forcing a stoppage in the third round due to Quarry’s severe cuts. The win was a triumphant return for Ali and set the stage for his future battles to regain the heavyweight title.

But as the night’s energy shifted from the boxing ring to exclusive afterparties, a darker event was about to unfold, one that would cast a shadow over the glitz and glamour of Ali’s comeback.

The Exclusive Afterparty Hosted by Gordon “Chicken Man” Williams

After the fight, many high-profile figures flocked to exclusive afterparties around Atlanta. One of the most anticipated was hosted by Gordon “Chicken Man” Williams, a well-known figure in Atlanta’s criminal underworld. Williams, a local kingpin, had earned his nickname through his involvement in both the poultry business and organized crime. He had deep ties in both the legal and illegal worlds, running lucrative enterprises that spanned drug dealing, gambling, and loan sharking.

The afterparty, held at a private, undisclosed location, was an extravagant affair. Wealthy gangsters, celebrities, and power players mingled together in celebration. Among the guests were members of the Black Mafia Family (BMF), a rapidly rising criminal organization that would later dominate the drug trade in the United States, and Frank Moten, a feared and influential gangster who was known as “The Black Godfather.” The party seemed like a perfect blend of Atlanta’s most powerful, wealthy, and dangerous figures.

Frank Moten: “The Black Godfather” and His Wealth

Frank Moten was one of the most notorious gangsters of his time, and his nickname, “The Black Godfather,” reflected his immense power in the criminal underworld. Moten had built an empire through drug trafficking, protection rackets, and various other illicit enterprises. His connections with criminal organizations across the country made him a feared figure, and wherever he went, he was known to flaunt his wealth and status.

Moten arrived at the afterparty with large amounts of cash and expensive jewelry—a hallmark of his style. In addition to Moten, members of the Black Mafia Family, who were aligned with him at the time, were also at the party, enjoying the success of the night’s events. With such wealth and high-profile criminal figures in one place, the afterparty was a prime target for anyone bold enough to take advantage of the situation.

The Brazen Robbery Heist: A Million-Dollar Score

As the party progressed and guests continued to drink, socialize, and celebrate Ali’s victory, a group of armed men stormed the event, staging one of the most daring robberies in Atlanta’s criminal history. The robbers, who wore masks and were heavily armed, knew exactly who their targets were. They moved swiftly and with precision, focusing on stripping Moten and the members of the Black Mafia Family of their cash, jewelry, and other valuables.

Estimates of the total value stolen that night exceed one million dollars. The robbers made off with a fortune in cash, expensive watches, diamond-encrusted jewelry, and other high-value items. While no one at the party was seriously injured during the heist, the sheer audacity of the crime sent shockwaves through both Atlanta’s criminal underworld and the larger community.

Frank Moten, who had prided himself on his fearsome reputation, was humiliated by the robbery. His position as one of the most powerful gangsters in the region was called into question, and the Black Mafia Family, still rising to prominence, was also dealt a significant blow. The fact that such a brazen crime could be committed against such notorious figures stunned many in the criminal world.

The Mystery of the Robbery: Inside Job or Outsider Attack?

In the aftermath of the robbery, many speculated about how the thieves had been able to pull off such a bold heist. The planning and execution suggested that the robbers had inside information about the party, its guests, and the vast amounts of wealth that would be present. Some believed that someone from within Gordon Williams’ circle, or even one of the guests at the party, had tipped off the robbers.

The robbery was meticulously timed and executed, leading many to believe that it had been an inside job. The masked gunmen seemed to know exactly when and how to strike, and they were able to carry out the crime without any resistance from the guests, who were caught completely off guard. The fact that such a robbery took place at a party full of hardened criminals, many of whom were heavily armed themselves, only added to the mystery.

Rumors swirled about who might have been behind the heist, with some suggesting that it was orchestrated by rival criminal organizations looking to undermine Moten and the Black Mafia Family. Others believed it was an act of revenge or betrayal from someone within their own ranks. Despite the rampant speculation, no one was ever caught or charged for the robbery, leaving the case unsolved.

Frank Moten’s Response and the Fallout

Frank Moten’s reaction to the robbery was immediate and severe. Humiliated and angered by the theft, Moten was determined to find out who had orchestrated the heist. He launched his own investigation within the criminal underworld, vowing to take revenge on those responsible. Moten’s reputation as “The Black Godfather” had been built on his ability to command respect and instill fear in his enemies, and he was not about to let this attack go unanswered.

However, despite Moten’s efforts to track down the perpetrators, the robbers remained elusive. The Black Mafia Family, still in its early years but already building a fearsome reputation, also sought retribution for the robbery. The heist had sent a clear message that even the most powerful figures in the underworld were not untouchable.

In the wake of the robbery, tensions within Atlanta’s criminal networks escalated. Moten, while still a dominant figure, began to lose some of his influence, and the Black Mafia Family used the incident as motivation to tighten its grip on the drug trade and expand its operations. The robbery became a cautionary tale for those in the criminal world: even the wealthiest and most feared gangsters could be vulnerable to betrayal.

The Indictment of McKinley Rogers Jr., James Henry Hall, and Houston J. Hammond

On November 18, 1970, less than a month after the audacious heist at the afterparty following Muhammad Ali’s fight in Atlanta, three men were indicted for their involvement in the robbery: McKinley Rogers Jr., James Henry Hall, and Houston J. Hammond. The charges stemmed from their alleged roles in orchestrating the robbery that targeted powerful gangster Frank Moten, also known as “The Black Godfather,” and members of the Black Mafia Family (BMF), stealing over a million dollars in cash, jewelry, and other valuables.

The indictment of these three men was a significant moment in the investigation, as law enforcement attempted to make headway in a case that had shaken both Atlanta’s criminal underworld and the general public. However, despite the indictments, it quickly became clear that justice would not come through the courts. The world of organized crime had its own rules, and those responsible for the heist had sealed their fates long before the legal system could intervene.

The Killings in the Bronx: The Fate of McKinley Rogers Jr. and James Henry Hall

After their indictment on November 18, 1970, McKinley Rogers Jr. and James Henry Hall found themselves caught in the crosshairs of not only the legal system but also the criminal underworld they had crossed. While awaiting their day in court, the two men were brutally murdered before they could stand trial.

Rogers and Hall were both killed in the Bronx, New York, under circumstances that suggested a clear connection to the robbery and the ensuing fallout. The Bronx, home to numerous criminal organizations, was a hotspot for underworld activity, and it was here that the two men met their violent ends.

Rogers was shot multiple times in what appeared to be a targeted hit. His body was found in a car, riddled with bullets, with no witnesses willing to come forward. Hall suffered a similar fate. Both killings had all the hallmarks of professional executions, designed to send a message to others who might consider betraying or stealing from powerful figures in the criminal underworld.

These murders were seen as acts of retribution for the robbery, carried out by individuals who were loyal to Frank Moten and the Black Mafia Family. Moten, enraged by the heist and determined to restore his authority, had likely ordered the hits to exact revenge and protect his reputation. The Black Mafia Family, though still in its early stages, was already known for its swift and violent responses to any perceived challenges.

Houston J. Hammond’s Survival

Unlike Rogers and Hall, Houston J. Hammond managed to avoid the violent retribution that claimed the lives of his co-conspirators. While Hammond was also indicted for his role in the robbery, his fate diverged from that of Rogers and Hall. It is unclear whether Hammond cooperated with authorities or managed to elude the underworld’s reach, but his survival remains one of the few mysteries in the aftermath of the robbery.

Some speculate that Hammond may have struck a deal with law enforcement or the underworld itself, allowing him to avoid the deadly consequences that befell his partners. Others believe that he may have gone into hiding, knowing that his life was at risk after the robbery. Regardless of the specifics, Hammond’s ability to escape the fate of Rogers and Hall stands as an exception in a world where betrayal was often met with swift and fatal consequences.

Gordon “Chicken Man” Williams and His Role in the Event

Gordon “Chicken Man” Williams, the host of the afterparty, was also affected by the fallout from the robbery. Williams, a man with deep connections in Atlanta’s criminal world, had built his reputation on his ability to control his environment and keep things running smoothly. The fact that such a high-profile robbery could take place at his event raised questions about his own security and influence.

While there is no evidence to suggest that Williams was directly involved in the heist, some speculated that he may have unknowingly allowed the robbers access to the party through his loose security measures. Others believed that Williams may have been a target of the robbery himself but had been spared due to his connections.

Regardless of his role, the robbery at the afterparty marked a turning point for Williams, who became more cautious in his dealings moving forward.

The Legacy of the 1970 Heist

The robbery on the night of Muhammad Ali’s historic comeback fight remains one of the most notorious crimes in Atlanta’s history. The sheer audacity of robbing powerful gangsters like Frank Moten and members of the Black Mafia Family made headlines in both the criminal and legal worlds. The event showed that even the most feared figures in the underworld were not immune to being targeted, and it left a lasting impact on the dynamics of Atlanta’s criminal networks.

As for the fight itself, Ali’s victory over Jerry Quarry went down in history as the beginning of his second act in the boxing world. But for those who attended the infamous afterparty, the night would forever be remembered as the moment when the untouchable became vulnerable, and the line between power and weakness was blurred in the underworld of Atlanta.

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