Thread: Howard 'Kayo' Smith ~ "Good Fighter - Bad Breaks"

'Tale of the Tape'

April 16, 1977

Howard 'Kayo' Smith
Age.......... 30 years, 3 months
Height...... 6' 2 1/2"
Weight..... 202 lbs.
Reach...... 78"
Record..... 24-1-0 {17 KO's}
Ranking... #7 Ring Magazine / #4 WBC / #10 WBA
Style........ Boxer/Puncher

Earnie 'The Razor' Shavers
Age......... 31 years, 8 months
Height..... 6' 0 1/2"
Reach...... 78"
Weight.... 209 lbs.
Record.... 53-5-1 {51 KO's}
Ranking.. #6 Ring Magazine / #8 WBC / #5 WBA
Style....... Bomber/Knockout Artist

Earnie opened up as a 7-5 Betting-Favorite, but the odds have swung in his favor
and were now 2-1.

Originally Posted by Bill Paxtom

'Tale of the Tape'

April 16, 1977

Howard 'Kayo' Smith
Age.......... 30 years, 3 months
Height...... 6' 2 1/2"
Weight..... 202 lbs.
Reach...... 77"
Record..... 24-1-0 {17 KO's}
Ranking... #7 Ring Magazine / #4 WBC / #10 WBA
Style........ Boxer/Puncher

Earnie 'The Razor' Shavers
Age......... 31 years, 8 months
Height..... 6' 0 1/2"
Reach...... 78"
Weight.... 209 lbs.
Record.... 53-5-1 {51 KO's}
Ranking.. #6 Ring Magazine / #8 WBC / #5 WBA
Style....... Bomber/Knockout Artist

Earnie opened up as a 7-5 Betting-Favorite, but the odds have swung in his favor
and were now 2-1.

__________________________________________________ _______________________

"Pre-Fight Skinny"

Howard Smith >

"This the biggest fight of my life. I've been sparring with Ken Norton, so I know that I can
handle pressure and hard-punches."

"I know that Earnie is very dangerous over the first 3-Rounds, so I'll have to have my best
defense. I plan on staying inside Earnie's power while in close, and make him chase me while
I'm on the outside."

"I am confident. This is the 1st-Bout where I had 5-Weeks to prepare. Usually I get a
call within 1-Week before a fight."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earnie Shavers >

"We'll see how Howard handle's pressure. I'm going to put the 'Ohio Heavy' on him early,
and take him out fast. I will knock him out in the 3rd-Round. I take no prisoners."

"After I win this bout, I will deserve a World Championship bout with Muhammad Ali next.
Then I'll defend against Ken Norton and Jimmy Young."

Saturday ~ April 16, 1977

The Aladdin Hotel and Casino ~ Las Vegas, Nevada

Attendance ..... { 1530 }

Round 1

Howard {202 lbs.} and Earnie {209 lbs.} met at Center-Ring.

0:04 > Howard fires off quick left-jabs, but misses.
0:05 > Earnie sends out '2 left-jabs but comes up short.
0:08 > The fighters clinch at Center-Ring.
0:12 > Both fighters measure each other at Center-Ring {Earnie is on the left, and Howard is on the right}.

0:18 > Earnie and Howard are both looking to counter.
0:26 > Each land light left-hands, as both are looking for an opening.
0:28 > Howard leans in, and fires an overhand-right that grazes Earnie's chin.
0:29 > Earnie fires a straight counter right-hand, but Howard ducks as the punch goes over his head.

0:29 > Howard moves to his left and circles Earnie.
0:32 > Howard fires out a spearing left-hand, but misses.
0:35 > Earnie attempts to throw a long straight right from the outside.
0:35 > But, Howard beats Earnie to the punch, and lands a 'hard' straight left-hand into his face.

0:37 > Earnie comes back with '2' left-jabs.
0:39 > Howard counters with his own left-jab.
0:41 > Earnie misses high with another long right-hand.
0:43 > Howard lands a decent 'left-right' to Earnie's face.

0:45 > Howard fires a hard left-hook at Earnie's chin, but misses.
0:46 > Earnie is short with a left-hook.
0:47 > Earnie paws with '2' left-jabs.
0:49 > Howard moves 180* to the other side of Center-Ring {left side}.

0:58 > Earnie flicks out '3' light left-jabs but they all miss.
1:00 > Howard sends out '2' measuring left-jabs, but they both fall short as he moves in close.
1:01 > The fighters clinch at Center-Ring.
1:02 > Earnie drapes his left-arm over Howard's neck, and forces him backwards to the left-side Center-Ropes.

1:04 > Earnie holds Howard with his left-hand, and slams a few right-hands into the body.
1:05 > The Referee - Richard Greene 'slaps' at Earnie's left-hand and tells him > "Let him go Earnie."
1:07 > Earnie uses his head, and leans on Howard, as he pushes him backwards into the front-left Corner.
1:10 > Both fighters lean on each other, but neither are punching while in close.

1:15 > Howard sends out a left-jab, then follows up with a quick double 'left-right' to Earnie's head.
1:17 > Earnie lands '3' soft left-hands, and looks for an opening.
1:21 > Howard fires out a quick 'right-left'.
1:22 > Earnie comes back with a hard-right, and then leans on Howard keeping him 'pinned' in the front-left Corner.

1:28 > Earnie fires in a 'big' left-hook into the right side of Howards's body.
1:31 > Earnie comes back with a sharp right-hand to the head.
1:33 > Howard comes back with a sharp 'left-right' to the head.
1:35 > Earnie backs off, and steps back out to Center-Ring.

1:37 > Howard moves in close.
1:38 > Earnie drapes his left-hand over Howard's neck, and shoots in a short right-uppercut to Howard's jaw.
1:39 > Howard moves back 1-step, and leaves his right-hand low.
1:40 > Earnie comes in with a big-sweeping left-hook that catches Howard flush on the right-side of his jaw.

1:41 > Howard reels backwards to the back left Neutral-Corner.
1:43 > Earnie follows, and 'wings' a big right-hand at Howard.
1:44 > Howard ducks, as Earnie tee's off with a left-hook.
1:45 > Howard falls onto the middle Rope strand.

1:46 > Earnie wings in a right upper-cut, and follows with a hard 'left-right' into Howard's head.
1:48 > Howard tries to punch back.
1:50 > Earnie slams in a 'left-right' into Howard's face.
1:53 > Howard tries a 'left-right' while he's on the Ropes.

1:54 > Earns slams in a short right-cross into Howard's jaw as he sags to the lower Rope-strand.
1:56 > Earnie adds in a 'left-right-left-right' as Howard is pinned on the Ropes
1:58 > Howard is sagging on the lower Rope-strand, but does not go down.
1:59 > Referee - Richard Greene jumps in, and pushes Earnie away.
2:00 > The Referee gives Howard a 'Standing 8-Count'.

2:03 > Howard walks along the back Ropes, and looks toward his Corner {back right Corner} for instructions.
2:08 > The Referee - Richard Greene completes the '8-Count' and asks Howard > "Are you OK."
2:10 > Howard says > "Yes, I'm all-right."
2:12 > The Referee - Richard Greene gives Howard a few more seconds.

2:13 > The Referee waves at both fighters, telling them that they are clear to continue.
2:14 > Earnie, who was waiting in the front-right Corner, moves quickly to Center-Ring.
2:15 > Howard moves out as well.
2:16 > Earnie sends out a 'lead' right-hand, along with a 'left-right'.

2:18 > Earnie comes back with another fast 'right-left-right'.
2:19 > Howard is 'stunned', but tries to counter Earnie with a 'left-right'.
2:20 > The action is heated, as Earnie forces Howard into the back-center Ropes.
2:21 > Earnie tags Howard with with a big chopping right-hand to the jaw.

2:21 > Howard 'sags' along the lower Ropes, as Earnie tries to tee off on him.
2:22 > The Referee moves in quickly, and pushes Earnie away, to issue another 'Standing 8-Count'.
2:23 > Howard falls down on his 'haunches', but is up immediately.
2:29 > The Referee completes the '8-Count',
2:30 > Richard Greene asks Howard > "Howard, are you all-right."

2:31 > Howard responds > "I'm all-right. Yes, I'm all-right."
2:35 > Richard Greene gives Howard a few more seconds, before waving for the fight to continue.
2:36 > Earnie, who was in the front-right Neutral-Corner comes bolting out to Center-Ring.
2:37 > Earnie comes straight at Howard who is on 'shaky legs'.

2:37 > Howard steps out, and clinches Earnie at Center-Ring.
2:38 > Earnie ducks under Howard's left arm, as Howard puts his left-arm over Earnie's neck.
2:40 > Earnie breaks free, and slams a left into Howard's body, and a right to the shoulder.
2:41 > Earnie comes back with a quick 'left-right' to the head.

2:42 > Howard tries to grab Earnie.
2:42 > Earnie fires in a hard 'left-right' to the head, and the right-hand catches Howard flush.
2:43 > Howard stumbles forward towards the front-right Neutral-Corner.
2:44 > Earnie follows, and throws a right-hand at Howard who goes flying by him.

2:45 > Howard goes down on his right-knee, as his upper-body crashes into the middle-Ropes.
2:48 > Howard is up at the '3-Count'.
2:49 > Howard leans back into the Corner, and speards his arms, and drapes them over the top Rope strands.
2:54 > The Referee - Richard Greene completes the 'Mandatory 8-Count'.

2:55 > The Referee asks Howard >"'Do you want to continue." > as Howard spreads both arms and drapes them over each Top Rope strand.
2:56 > Howard is slow in reacting.
2:58 > Richard Greene grabs at Howard's arms, and says > "Howard, are you all-right. Can you go on."
2:59 > Howard nods 'Yes', as he brings both gloves up under his chin.

3:00 > The Bell sounds ending Round 1.
3:02 > Howard walks along the right-side Ropes and back to his corner, 'still dazed' but aware of where he is.

earnie's jabs are like a ~power~ punch.

Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust

earnie's jabs are like a ~power~ punch.

Nobody hit like Earnie.

'N-O-B-O-D-Y'

Howard Smith vs. Earnie Shavers

All '3' Judges scored Round 1 {5-1} for Earnie Shavers, as the result of Earnie scoring
'3' Knockdowns.

'Round 2'

0:02 < At the Bell, Earnie is the first out to Center-Ring.
0:04 > Howard is slow coming off his stool, as he walks out to Center-Ring.
0:06 > Earnie gets off first, and tries with a wide 'left-right' at Howard's head.
0:07 > Howard stays low, and avoids the punches.

0:08 > Earnie follows with another 'left-right', and the punches graze the top of Howard's head.
0:09 > At Center-Ring, Earnie is on the left side, and Howard is on the right.
0:10 > Howard leans in, and tosses out a light left-jab, and misses with a left-hook.
0:12 > Earnie comes back with a 'right-left' that glance off the top of Howard's head as he ducks low.

0:14 > Earnie misses with a 'left-right' aimed at Howard's head.
0:15 > Howard moves forward, and forces Earnie backwards to the back-center Ring area.
0:16 > Both trade with 'left-right' bombs.
0:18 > Earnie lands a good 'left-right'.

0:19 > Howard backs off.
0:20 > Howard lands a sharp left-jab into Earnie's face.
0:21 > Earnie comes back with a hard 'left-right'.
0:22 > Howard moves back to the right-side Ropes.

0:23 > Earnie lands '2' pawing left-jabs as Howard leans with his back on the Ropes.
0:24 > Howard counters with a stiff left-jab into Earnie's head.
0:25 > Earnie ducks low, and leans inside.
0:26 > Howard misses high with a fast 'left-right'.

0:27 > Howard grabs Earnie around the head.
0:27 > Howard clinches, and he walks Earnie out and away from the right-side Ropes.
0:32 > The Referee - Richard Greene breaks the clinch.
0:33 > Howard sends out a light left-jab.

0:34 > Earnie comes back with a hard 'left-right' aimed at Howard's chest.
0:36 > Howard misses with a left, as Earnie ducks.
0:37 > The fighters clinch.
0:38 > Both fighters are now free.

0:40 > Each trade with light-punches to the body while inside and close.
0:42 > Howard is back on the right-side Ropes.
0:43 > Earnie lands a good left-hook to the right side of Howard's head.
0:45 > Earnie misses with a wild right-hand, but comes back with a hard left-hook to the body.

0:46 > Earnie lands a good 'left-right', as Howard covers up along the Ropes.
0:47 > Earnie misses with a big right upper-cut as he leans back.
0:48 > Earnie comes back with a fast-left to Howard's chin.
0:49 > Earnie misses high with a long-slow straight right-hand.

0:50 > Earnie comes back with a 'double' right-hand to Howard's head.
0:50 > Howard is still covering up while leaning on the right-side Ropes.
0:51 > Earnie moves in close, and drapes his left-arm over Howard's neck and pulls down his head.
0:53 > Earnie slams in '3' right upper-cuts into Howard's face as he pulls down on his head.

0:57 > The Referee - Richard Greene moves in to break up Earnie's holding-and-hitting.
0:58 > Richard Greene steps in and admonishes Earnie for holding-and-hitting {as 5-Seconds elapse}.
1:03 > The action resumes.
1:03 > Howard moves over to the back-right Ring area.

1:04 > Earnie plows forward, and tee's off with a wide left-hook and jolting right into Howard's chin.
1:05 > Howard leans back into the back-right Corner.
1:06 > Earnie ducks low and he leans in on Howard.
1:07 > Earnie lands a soft left to the body, but comes right back with a hard right into Howard's ribs.

1:08 > Howard counters with a quick 'jarring' right to Earnie's jaw.
1:09 > Howard follows up, and lands a fast 'left-right' into Earnie's head.
1:10 > Howard lands a fast but light 'left-right' to Earnie's head.
1:11 > Howard lands a good left upper-cut into Earnie's chin.

1:14 > Earnie is not punching back.
1:16 > Earnie drapes his left arm over Howard's neck, and pulls his head down.
1:19 > Earnie 'slams' a right-hand into the left-side of Howard's head.
1:21 > Earnie fires a high 'left-right' at Howard's head, but he misses over the top of Howard's head.

1:23 > The fighters clinch as they are in the back-right Corner.
1:27 > Earnie again holds with his left-hand over Howard's head.
1:28 > Earnie slams '2' medium right-hands into left-side of Howard's body.
1:29 > Referee - Richard Greene moves in to break up the 'loose' clinch.

1:30 > Earnie steps back out.
1:31 > Howard sends out a long left-jab, as Earnie ducks to avoid the punch.
1:33 > Earnie moves back in close, but does not punch.
1:35 > Howard lands a good right upper-cut into Earnie's chest.

1:36 > Earnie lands a 'light' sweeping left-hook into the right-side of Howard's head.
1:37 > Earnie fires out a hard 'left-right, but he misses with both punches.
1:37 > Earnie comes back with a hard left-hook, and catches Howard on the right-side of his head.
1:39 > Howard moves backwards to the right-side Ropes.

1:40 > Earnie moves forward, but walks into a 'stiff' left-jab from Howard.
1:41 > Earnie ducks low as he moves in closer.
1:41 > Howard lands a light left-hand to Earnie's face.
1:42 > Earnie sends out a measuring left, and lands a straight right-hand to Howard's left shoulder.

1:43 > Earnie backs off, and steps back to Center-Ring.
1:44 > Howard leaps forward.
1:45 > Howard slams a short left-hook into Earnie's gloves, as Earnie covers up his head.
1:47 > The fighters clinch.

1:48 > Howard moves to his right, and to the left-side of Earnie, and moves to the back right-center Ropes.
1:50 > As Earnie moves in, Howard loads up and fires.
1:51 > Howard catches Earnie with a fast 'right-left to the head.
1:52 > Earnie throws a long straight left, as he plows forward.

1:53 > Howard comes back with a 'hard' right-hand over Earnie's left.
1:53 > The punch catches Earnie 'flush' on the jaw, and Earnie is momentarily 'flash-stunned'.
1:54 > Howard comes back with a fast 'left-right'.
1:55 > Earnie steps back a half-step.

1:56 > Howard lands a 'solid' left-hand into Earnie's face, and snaps his head back.
1:57 > Earnie backs out to Center-Ring.
1:58 > Earnie sends out a looping-right hand that goes over Howard's left shoulder.
1:58 > Howard shoots out a straight left-hand that just misses and goes over Earnie's right-shoulder.

1:59 > The fighters clinch.
2:00 > Howard still has his left-hand over Earnie's neck, and he fires in a hard right-hand into the body.
2:02 > Howard then catches Earnie with a 'big' right upper-cut as Earnie bends low.
2:03 > Earnie is 'not' punching back.

2:04 > Earnie bulls forward, and forces Howard backwards and into the right-side Ropes.
2:05 > Howard wraps his left-hand over Earnie's neck.
2:05 > Earnie 'digs' a right-hand into Howard's ribs.
2:06 > Earnie whips in a vicious left-hook into Howard's head.

2:06 > Earnie comes back with a 'wicked' right upper-cut that sends Howard back on the Ropes.
2:07 > Earnie 'zaps' Howard with a hard left-hook to the head.
2:08 > Howard is 'badly hurt'.
2:09 > Earnie lands a 'tremendous' right-cross under Howard's chin, snapping his head back.

2:10 > Howard is 'out-on-his-feet'.
2:11 > Referee - Richard Greene jumps in between the fighters, and pushes Earnie off Howard.
2:12 > Howard stumbles to his right.
2:14 > Howard falls face-first into the back-right lower Ropes.

2:15 > Richard Greene moves in fast to check Howard out.
2:18 > Richard Greene waves the bout over with Howard on all fours, and out of it.

Originally Posted by Bill Paxtom

Howard Smith vs. Earnie Shavers

All '3' Judges scored Round 1 {5-1} for Earnie Shavers, as the result of Earnie scoring
'3' Knockdowns.

'Round 2'

0:02 < At the Bell, Earnie is the first out to Center-Ring.
0:04 > Howard is slow coming off his stool, as he walks out to Center-Ring.
0:06 > Earnie gets off first, and tries with a wide 'left-right' at Howard's head.
0:07 > Howard stays low, and avoids the punches.

0:08 > Earnie follows with another 'left-right', and the punches graze the top of Howard's head.
0:09 > At Center-Ring, Earnie is on the left side, and Howard is on the right.
0:10 > Howard leans in, and tosses out a light left-jab, and misses with a left-hook.
0:12 > Earnie comes back with a 'right-left' that glance off the top of Howard's head as he ducks low.

0:14 > Earnie misses with a 'left-right' aimed at Howard's head.
0:15 > Howard moves forward, and forces Earnie backwards to the back-center Ring area.
0:16 > Both trade with 'left-right' bombs.
0:18 > Earnie lands a good 'left-right'.

0:19 > Howard backs off.
0:20 > Howard lands a sharp left-jab into Earnie's face.
0:21 > Earnie comes back with a hard 'left-right'.
0:22 > Howard moves back to the right-side Ropes.

0:23 > Earnie lands '2' pawing left-jabs as Howard leans with his back on the Ropes.
0:24 > Howard counters with a stiff left-jab into Earnie's head.
0:25 > Earnie ducks low, and leans inside.
0:26 > Howard misses high with a fast 'left-right'.

0:27 > Howard grabs Earnie around the head.
0:27 > Howard clinches, and he walks Earnie out and away from the right-side Ropes.
0:32 > The Referee - Richard Greene breaks the clinch.
0:33 > Howard sends out a light left-jab.

0:34 > Earnie comes back with a hard 'left-right' aimed at Howard's chest.
0:36 > Howard misses with a left, as Earnie ducks.
0:37 > The fighters clinch.
0:38 > Both fighters are now free.

0:40 > Each trade with light-punches to the body while inside and close.
0:42 > Howard is back on the right-side Ropes.
0:43 > Earnie lands a good left-hook to the right side of Howard's head.
0:45 > Earnie misses with a wild right-hand, but comes back with a hard left-hook to the body.

0:46 > Earnie lands a good 'left-right', as Howard covers up along the Ropes.
0:47 > Earnie misses with a big right upper-cut as he leans back.
0:48 > Earnie comes back with a fast-left to Howard's chin.
0:49 > Earnie misses high with a long-slow straight right-hand.

0:50 > Earnie comes back with a 'double' right-hand to Howard's head.
0:50 > Howard is still covering up while leaning on the right-side Ropes.
0:51 > Earnie moves in close, and drapes his left-arm over Howard's neck and pulls down his head.
0:53 > Earnie slams in '3' right upper-cuts into Howard's face as he pulls down on his head.

0:57 > The Referee - Richard Greene moves in to break up Earnie's holding-and-hitting.
0:58 > Richard Greene steps in and admonishes Earnie for holding-and-hitting {as 5-Seconds elapse}.
1:03 > The action resumes.
1:03 > Howard moves over to the back-right Ring area.

1:04 > Earnie comes trudging forward, and tee's off with a wide left-hook and jolting right into Howard's chin.
1:05 > Howard leans back into the back-right Corner.
1:06 > Earnie ducks low and he leans in on Howard.
1:07 > Earnie lands a soft left to the body, but comes right back with a hard right into Howard's ribs.

1:08 > Howard counters with a quick right to Earnie's jaw.
1:09 > Howard follows up, and lands a fast 'left-right' into Earnie's head.
1:10 > Howard lands a fast but light 'left-right' to Earnie's head.
1:11 > Howard lands a good left upper-cut into Earnie's chin.

1:14 > Earnie is not punching back.
1:16 > Earnie drapes his left arm over Howard's neck, and pulls his head down.
1:19 > Earnie 'slams' a right-hand into the left-side of Howard's head.
1:21 > Earnie fires a high 'left-right' at Howard's head, but he misses over the top of Howard's head.

1:23 > The fighters clinch as they are in the back-right Corner.
1:27 > Earnie again holds with his left-hand over Howard's head, and throws '2' medium right-hands into left-side of Howard's body.
1:29 > Referee - Richard Greene moves in to break up the 'loose' clinch.
1:30 > Earnie steps back out.

1:31 > Howard sends out a long left-jab, as Earnie ducks to avoid the punch.
1:33 > Earnie moves back in close, but does not punch.
1:35 > Howard lands a good right upper-cut into Earnie's chest.
1:36 > Earnie lands a 'light' sweeping left-hook into the right-side of Howard's head.

1:37 > Earnie fires out a hard 'left-right, but he misses with both punches.
1:37 > Earnie comes back with a hard left-hook, and catches Howard on the right-side of his head.
1:39 > Howard moves backwards to the right-side Ropes.
1:40 > Earnie moves forward, but walks into a stiff left-jab from Howard.

1:41 > Earnie ducks low as he moves in closer.
1:41 > Howard lands a light left-hand to Earnie's face.
1:42 > Earnie sends out a measuring left, and lands a straight right-hand to Howard's left shoulder.
1:43 > Earnie back off, and steps back to Center-Ring.

1:44 > Howard leaps forward, and lands a short left-hook into Earnie's head, as Earnie covers up.
1:47 > The fighters clinch.
1:48 > Howard moves to his right, and to the left-side of Earnie, and moves to the back-center Ropes.
1:51 > As Earnie moves in, Howard lets go with a fast 'right-left to Earnie's head.

1:52 > Earnie throws a long straight left, as he mauls forward.
1:53 > Howard comes back with a 'hard' right-hand over Earnie's left, and the punch catches Earnie flush on the jaw.
1:54 > Howard comes back with a fast 'left-right'.
1:55 > Earnie steps back a half-step.

1:56 > Howard lands a solid left-hand into Earnie's face, and snaps his head back.
1:57 > Earnie backs out to Center-Ring.
1:58 > Earnie sends out a looping-right hand that goes over Howard's left shoulder.
1:58 > Howard shoots out a straight left-hand that just misses and goes over Earnie's right-shoulder.

1:59 > The fighters clinch.
2:00 > Howard still has his left-hand over Earnie's neck, and he fires in a hard right-hand into the body.

this is the most amaaaazing blow-by-blow I have ever seen. Good job, Bill.

Thanks 'Triple B'

Earnie had amazing hand-speed, when he had room.

Howard Smith. A remarkable comeback in Round 2. Tough Kid.

Originally Posted by Bill Paxtom

Howard Smith vs. Earnie Shavers

All '3' Judges scored Round 1 {5-1} for Earnie Shavers, as the result of Earnie scoring
'3' Knockdowns.

'Round 2'

0:02 < At the Bell, Earnie is the first out to Center-Ring.
0:04 > Howard is slow coming off his stool, as he walks out to Center-Ring.
0:06 > Earnie gets off first, and tries with a wide 'left-right' at Howard's head.
0:07 > Howard stays low, and avoids the punches.

0:08 > Earnie follows with another 'left-right', and the punches graze the top of Howard's head.
0:09 > At Center-Ring, Earnie is on the left side, and Howard is on the right.
0:10 > Howard leans in, and tosses out a light left-jab, and misses with a left-hook.
0:12 > Earnie comes back with a 'right-left' that glance off the top of Howard's head as he ducks low.

0:14 > Earnie misses with a 'left-right' aimed at Howard's head.
0:15 > Howard moves forward, and forces Earnie backwards to the back-center Ring area.
0:16 > Both trade with 'left-right' bombs.
0:18 > Earnie lands a good 'left-right'.

0:19 > Howard backs off.
0:20 > Howard lands a sharp left-jab into Earnie's face.
0:21 > Earnie comes back with a hard 'left-right'.
0:22 > Howard moves back to the right-side Ropes.

0:23 > Earnie lands '2' pawing left-jabs as Howard leans with his back on the Ropes.
0:24 > Howard counters with a stiff left-jab into Earnie's head.
0:25 > Earnie ducks low, and leans inside.
0:26 > Howard misses high with a fast 'left-right'.

0:27 > Howard grabs Earnie around the head.
0:27 > Howard clinches, and he walks Earnie out and away from the right-side Ropes.
0:32 > The Referee - Richard Greene breaks the clinch.
0:33 > Howard sends out a light left-jab.

0:34 > Earnie comes back with a hard 'left-right' aimed at Howard's chest.
0:36 > Howard misses with a left, as Earnie ducks.
0:37 > The fighters clinch.
0:38 > Both fighters are now free.

0:40 > Each trade with light-punches to the body while inside and close.
0:42 > Howard is back on the right-side Ropes.
0:43 > Earnie lands a good left-hook to the right side of Howard's head.
0:45 > Earnie misses with a wild right-hand, but comes back with a hard left-hook to the body.

0:46 > Earnie lands a good 'left-right', as Howard covers up along the Ropes.
0:47 > Earnie misses with a big right upper-cut as he leans back.
0:48 > Earnie comes back with a fast-left to Howard's chin.
0:49 > Earnie misses high with a long-slow straight right-hand.

0:50 > Earnie comes back with a 'double' right-hand to Howard's head.
0:50 > Howard is still covering up while leaning on the right-side Ropes.
0:51 > Earnie moves in close, and drapes his left-arm over Howard's neck and pulls down his head.
0:53 > Earnie slams in '3' right upper-cuts into Howard's face as he pulls down on his head.

0:57 > The Referee - Richard Greene moves in to break up Earnie's holding-and-hitting.
0:58 > Richard Greene steps in and admonishes Earnie for holding-and-hitting {as 5-Seconds elapse}.
1:03 > The action resumes.
1:03 > Howard moves over to the back-right Ring area.

1:04 > Earnie plows forward, and tee's off with a wide left-hook and jolting right into Howard's chin.
1:05 > Howard leans back into the back-right Corner.
1:06 > Earnie ducks low and he leans in on Howard.
1:07 > Earnie lands a soft left to the body, but comes right back with a hard right into Howard's ribs.

1:08 > Howard counters with a quick 'jarring' right to Earnie's jaw.
1:09 > Howard follows up, and lands a fast 'left-right' into Earnie's head.
1:10 > Howard lands a fast but light 'left-right' to Earnie's head.
1:11 > Howard lands a good left upper-cut into Earnie's chin.

1:14 > Earnie is not punching back.
1:16 > Earnie drapes his left arm over Howard's neck, and pulls his head down.
1:19 > Earnie 'slams' a right-hand into the left-side of Howard's head.
1:21 > Earnie fires a high 'left-right' at Howard's head, but he misses over the top of Howard's head.

1:23 > The fighters clinch as they are in the back-right Corner.
1:27 > Earnie again holds with his left-hand over Howard's head.
1:28 > Earnie slams '2' medium right-hands into left-side of Howard's body.
1:29 > Referee - Richard Greene moves in to break up the 'loose' clinch.

1:30 > Earnie steps back out.
1:31 > Howard sends out a long left-jab, as Earnie ducks to avoid the punch.
1:33 > Earnie moves back in close, but does not punch.
1:35 > Howard lands a good right upper-cut into Earnie's chest.

1:36 > Earnie lands a 'light' sweeping left-hook into the right-side of Howard's head.
1:37 > Earnie fires out a hard 'left-right, but he misses with both punches.
1:37 > Earnie comes back with a hard left-hook, and catches Howard on the right-side of his head.
1:39 > Howard moves backwards to the right-side Ropes.

1:40 > Earnie moves forward, but walks into a 'stiff' left-jab from Howard.
1:41 > Earnie ducks low as he moves in closer.
1:41 > Howard lands a light left-hand to Earnie's face.
1:42 > Earnie sends out a measuring left, and lands a straight right-hand to Howard's left shoulder.

1:43 > Earnie backs off, and steps back to Center-Ring.
1:44 > Howard leaps forward.
1:45 > Howard slams a short left-hook into Earnie's gloves, as Earnie covers up his head.
1:47 > The fighters clinch.

1:48 > Howard moves to his right, and to the left-side of Earnie, and moves to the back right-center Ropes.
1:50 > As Earnie moves in, Howard loads up and fires.
1:51 > Howard catches Earnie with a fast 'right-left to the head.
1:52 > Earnie throws a long straight left, as he plows forward.

1:53 > Howard comes back with a 'hard' right-hand over Earnie's left.
1:53 > The punch catches Earnie 'flush' on the jaw, and Earnie is momentarily 'flash-stunned'.
1:54 > Howard comes back with a fast 'left-right'.
1:55 > Earnie steps back a half-step.

1:56 > Howard lands a 'solid' left-hand into Earnie's face, and snaps his head back.
1:57 > Earnie backs out to Center-Ring.
1:58 > Earnie sends out a looping-right hand that goes over Howard's left shoulder.
1:58 > Howard shoots out a straight left-hand that just misses and goes over Earnie's right-shoulder.

1:59 > The fighters clinch.
2:00 > Howard still has his left-hand over Earnie's neck, and he fires in a hard right-hand into the body.
2:02 > Howard then catches Earnie with a 'big' right upper-cut as Earnie bends low.
2:03 > Earnie is 'not' punching back.

2:04 > Earnie bulls forward, and forces Howard backwards.
2:05 > Howard wraps his left-hand over Earnie's neck.
2:05 > Earnie 'digs' in a vicious right-hand into Howard's ribs, which nearly folds him.
2:06 > Earnie drives Howard into the right-side Ropes.

2:07 > As Earnie is moving forward, he whips in a 'vicious' sweeping left-hook into the right side of Howard's head.
2:07 > Earnie immediately fires in a hard right-hand into Howard's head.
2:07 > Howard is 'badly hurt'.
2:08 > Earnie measures with the left, and comes back with a 'wicked' right upper-cut that sends Howard back on the Ropes.

2:08 > Howard is 'out-on-his-feet'.
2:09 > Earnie slams in a left-hook, and then lands a 'tremendous' right-cross under Howard's chin, snapping his head back as Howard is arched over the Top Rope strand.
2:10 > Howard is 'defenseless'.
2:10 > Earnie tries to get in another big straight right-hand.

2:11 > Referee - Richard Greene jumps in between the fighters, and pushes Earnie off Howard.
2:12 > Howard stumbles to his right.
2:14 > Howard falls face-first into the back-right lower Ropes.
2:15 > Richard Greene moves in fast to check Howard out.

2:18 > Richard Greene waves the bout over with Howard on all fours, and out of it.

"A Wild Round 2"

~ Hard-Hitting Shavers Eyes Big Name Foes After Stopping Smith In 2 ~

~ Shavers Certified As Boxing's Most Feared Puncher ~

'Post Fight Comments'

Howard Smith >

"Simply put, I got caught. Earnie not only punches hard, but he is very accurate and puts
power in those fists."

"I have no excuses. He caught me in the 1st-Round, and put a hurting on me. I recovered
between Rounds, but I was still foggy. I was doing good in the middle of Round 2, and I was
coming back. I think I hurt him, and I buckled his legs with that right-hand over the top. But,
he landed a good right-hand to my ribs, and took the air out of me."

"I went to the Ropes, but I had my right-hand a bit low. Earnie was walking forward and let
good with a big left-hook that caught me flush on the side of my head. I blacked out while
I was on my feet."

August 19, 1977

The Coliseum ~ San Diego, California

"California State Heavyweight Championship"

Howard Smith ~ 24-2-0 {17 KO's} ~ 207 lbs. ~ 6' 2 1/2" ~ {Age; 30 years, 7 months}
vs.
Charlie James ~ 27-8-1 {12 KO's} ~ 192 lbs. ~ 6' 1" ~ {Age; 33 years, 2 months}
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Howard Smith is coming back after the 'devastating loss' {L KO 2} to Earnie Shavers
back on April 16th {4 Months earlier}.

Howard has been working out in San Diego, helping Ken Norton prepare for a
September 14th bout against Italian - Lorenzo Zanon at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas.

Howard is also supposed fight on that card, against 'undefeated' Larry Holmes.

Howard wants this bout, to sharpen his skills for the upcoming bout with Larry.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Charlie James, is the Hawaii State Heavyweight Champion.

James, a 33 year-old {12 Year Pro}, is an extremely durable fighter. The 6' 1" 192 lb.
boxer/counter-puncher is very tricky in movement, and takes a great punch for a
small Heavyweight.

One not be taken lightly, James has only been 'dropped' and KO'd once in his career
of '36-Bouts', and that was recently to John Baca on March 30th.

Charlie has been in the Ring with;
* Fred Lewis
* Vernon Clay
* Pedro Lovell {twice}
* Henry Clark
* Terry Hinke
* Ron Stander
* Jose Luis Garcia
* Larry Holmes
* Young Sekona

August 19, 1977

~ Howard Smith Scores KO 10 Over Charlie James ~

'Smith Retains California State Championship With Win At The Coliseum In San Diego'

Howard Smith {206 lbs.} scored a Knockout in Round 10 over difficult Charlie James {191 lbs.}.

Both fighters fought well over the first 5-Rounds. Howard Smith used a variety of left-jabs
and '2-Punch' combinations, while Charlie James used countering right-hands and short
left-hooks inside.

The action lulled in Rounds 6 and 7, as both fighters took resting-periods while looking to
counter.

But in Round 8, Smith opened up with a 'salvo', and had James holding on by mid-way
through the session after scoring with several jarring right-hands to the head.

At the {1:50 Mark}, James was forced down to one-knee, and took a Mandatory 8-Count.
But, the Hawaii veteran boxed out of danger over the last minute of Round 8.

In Round 9, Smith poured it on in an effort to stop James, but the veteran fought back
and was able to neutralize Howard by staying close and inside for the first 2-Minutes.

But late in the Round, Smith hurt James with '2' right-hands to the head, and James was
in bad shape at the Bell ending Round 9.

Coming out for Round 10, Charlie James was looking weary. Smith then used solid left-jabs
to set up James for a big looping right-hand. Howard landed the right-hand and deposited
James on the canvas where he was counted out @ 1:26 of Round 10 by Referee - Frank Rustich.

Scorecards thru 9-Rounds
* 6-1 > {Howard Smith}
* 7-2 > {Howard Smith}
* 6-2 > {Howard Smith}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Howard Smith >

"I have only fought 2-Rounds since January. I needed the Rounds to sharpen me up. I have a
bout with Larry Holmes in 4-Weeks {September 14th}, and I don't want to be stale."

"I knew that Charlie would be a good test here. He's a smart veteran, and knows how to roll
with the punches. I knew that I would need 7 or 8 Rounds to catch him. Once I hurt him in
Round 8, I knew that I would get him out of there in a Round or two."

~ Larry Holmes To face Howard Smith ~

Unbeaten Larry Holmes 'The Easton Assassin' with face Howard 'Kayo' Smith on
Wednesday Night {September 14th} at Caesar's Palace.

Larry Holmes
Age........... 27 years, 10 months
Height....... 6' 3"
Reach........ 80"
Weight...... 208 lbs.
Record....... 24-0-0 {17 KO's}
Rank......... #6

Howard Smith
Age........... 30 years, 8 months
Height....... 6' 2 1/2"
Reach....... 78"
Weight..... 206 lbs.
Record..... 25-2-0 {18 KO's}
Rank........ #9

The 'Easton Assassin' has been made a slight favorite at {7-5} over the slick-boxing Howard Smith.

Larry last fought back on March 17, 1977 {6-Months ago}, where he scored a TKO 5 over Horace Robinson.

Howard is coming off a {KO 10} over Charlie James on August 19th , where he successfully defended
his California State Heavyweight Championship.

Larry Holmes also fought Charlie James, as Larry scored a 10-Round Decision over the common opponent
back on August 26, 1975.

This 'match-up' is expected to be a battle of left-jabs and countering right-hands. As both fighters are
crisp-punchers with a high-skill level.