Johnny"s victory in Sunnyside paid off exactly as planned. Top Rank Promotions in NYC got wind of the project and decided that another Sanders fight would be an investment worthy of the Felt Forum. The opponent they had in mind was El Gran Inquisitor, Tony “Torquemada” Alindato. Tony had been the undisputed Puerto Rican champion for four years and his handlers were actively seeking a World Middle Weight title match. Top Rank figured that Johnny would bring the ethnic rivalry needed to sell tickets, and a big Alindato win would catapult him directly into title contention.
Johnny had checked in at Long Island College Hospital on a Tuesday afternoon before the jam session at the Dew Drop. The doctor revealed that he had suffered a mild concussion after the Ortiz fight and would do well to re
