Was 'The Battle of the Sexes' Fixed?
Summary
This episode investigates the conspiracy theory that Bobby Riggs fixed the 1973 "Battle of the Sexes" match against Billie Jean King to pay off mob debts. Host Carter Roy interviews ESPN reporter Don Van Natta Jr., who details evidence suggesting Riggs orchestrated his loss with Chicago mobsters to settle gambling debts. The discussion covers Riggs’ history with organized crime and witness accounts of a planned fix. It explores whether Riggs intentionally threw the match to erase a $100,000 debt. Despite circumstantial evidence, Billie Jean’s victory remains a pivotal feminist triumph.
Topics discussed
The Battle of the Sexes: A historic 1973 tennis showdown
Introduction to the conspiracy theory and podcast premise
Bobby Riggs' history as a tennis prodigy, gambler, and hustler
Riggs' rise to fame and his challenge to women's tennis
Investigative reporter Don Van Natta Jr. joins the show
Hal Shaw's account of mobsters discussing the fixed match
Corroborating evidence from Riggs' son and friend
Riggs' post-match behavior and the lie detector test
Billie Jean King's response and the legacy of the match
Conclusion: Weighing the evidence and final thoughts
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