A new book is underway,
About Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merritt.
A most confused and strange kid, who had the potential to be a Heavyweight Champion.
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A new book is underway,
About Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merritt.
A most confused and strange kid, who had the potential to be a Heavyweight Champion.
Mr. Man,
In October 1965, Jeff Merritt {Age; 18 years, 9 months} of Kansas City, Missouri was found guilty of Theft and Armed Robbery. He was sentenced
7-Years for his crime, and his time was to be served in the Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Prior to be being incarcerated, Jeff had compiled an Amateur Record of 33-1 {29 KO's}.
Jeff had won several 1963-1964-1965 Missouri Amateur Boxing Tournaments.
Supposedly, Jeff had '1' Professional Bout in August 1965 where he was 'paid'. That cannot be confirmed.
While in Prison {1966}, Jeff had numerous bouts. Including winning the Missouri State Prison Championships.
In March 1967, Jeff caused quite a stir when he won the 1967 Missouri Valley AAU Tournament, when he scored a {KO 1} in just 1:03 in the Championship Final.
On Saturday, March 25, 1967 - Jeff won the PAL Championship at the Simonsen Gym in Jefferson City, where he defeated highly regarded William 'Willie' High of
Springfield Central Boxing Club.
Despite being in in the Missouri Prison System, Jeff started to get a lot of press. So much so, that Joe Louis and Sandy Saddler heard about Jeff's accomplishments in July 1967.
The two former Champions visited the Jefferson City, Missouri State Prison on Wednesday, August 23, 1967 to scout Jeff Merritt. In a Boxing Exhibition,
in front of Joe Louis, Sandy Saddler and over 1000 Prison Inmates, Jeff scored '3' 1st-Round Knockouts over '3' Prison Inmate Boxers, in what could be labeled
as complete mismatches.
Both Joe Louis and Sandy Saddler left the Missouri State Prison impressed in what they saw. A fighter who had size {6' 4"} and strength {211 lbs.}, and natural
punching power.
Chief,
Jeff Merritt {Kansas City, Missouri} had an amateur record of 99-1 {78 KO's}.
June 1963 thru November 1967.
He was incarcerated at the Missouri State Prison {Jefferson City} from October 1965 thru December 1967.
Jeff was paroled in December 1967.
The former Heavyweight Champion - Joe Louis was instrumental in helping Jeff Merritt get paroled.
In November 1967, Joe Louis spoke at Jeff's hearing in front of the Missouri State Prison Parole Board,
and stated that he would be a 'so-called caretaker' for Jeff, to help get him on the right track.
Joe Louis was a representative for the National Maritime Union in New York, and they were willing
to 'sponsor' Jeff in his rehabilitation.
The 'plan', was to get Jeff into a strict Boxing Program, with hopes of getting him an opportunity
to fight at the Olympic Trials in 1968, with a goal for the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City.
I'd be interested in reading a well researched book about Merritt. I know that Don King insisted on using him as a sparring partner for Shavers before his fight with Quarry. Merritt broke the jaw of Shavers and the fight was postponed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by greynotsoold
Actually,
It was Archie Moore {Earnie's new trainer} that was the fool that put Earnie in with Jeff Merritt.
Earnie and Jeff had sparred before, so they knew each other. But things got heated in one session,
and Jeff snapped Earnie's jaw off it's hinge.
That's right. Archie didn't quit because King did it; Archie got fired because he did it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill PaxtomQuote:
Originally Posted by greynotsoold
Actually,
It was Archie Moore {Earnie's new trainer} that was the fool that put Earnie in with Jeff Merritt.
Earnie and Jeff had sparred before, so they knew each other. But things got heated in one session,
and Jeff snapped Earnie's jaw off it's hinge.
I like reading things like this. Good job
Here is the Skinny,
Don King bought Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merritt's contract from Chris Dundee in early 1973.
Jeff had been wasting away in Miami Beach, Florida.
Don King wanted to use Jeff as a 'prime' sparring partner for his now growing stable. And he had hopes of getting Jeff a few 'bone up' bouts in 1973.
In June 1973, Earnie Shavers signed to face Jerry Quarry at Madison Square Harden, with a date set for July 25, 1973.
Then, Madsion Square Garden provided Earnie Shavers with a training facility {Grossinger's Country Club} in upstate New York.
Don King then brought in Archie Moore to help 'refine' Earnie for the bout with Jerry Quarry.
On Sunday, July 15, 1973 ~ {10-Days before the bout} Archie Moore had scheduled Earnie to spar 5-Rounds with a preliminary boy.
Unfortunately, the kid didn't show up. But, Jeff Merritt who was there, was in the Gym working out.
Earlier, Don King had told Archie Moore 'under no circumstances' allow Jeff to spar with Earnie. As Jeff was a 'loose cannon' in the Ring, and you weren't quite sure on what he'd do.
Well with no one to spar with Earnie, Archie did the 'unthinkable'.
In Round 1, the two bangers went at it, and Jeff landed several 'Rocket Hooks' offof Earnie's jaw. After the Round was over, Earnie came back to the corner with a bloody mouth.
Archie didn't even remove Earnie's mouth-piece to check out for possible damage. Instead, he let Earnie go out for another round.
Mid-way thru Round 2, Jeff landed a thudding left-hook to Earnie's jaw, followed by a right-cross. Earnie then turned around, and walked back to his corner, and told Archie that
he thought that his jaw was broken.
Late, Earnie was examined by a Doctor at Grossinger's, and it was confirmed that Earnie had suffered a fractured jaw.
Don King fired Archie Moore the next day {Monday ~ July 16, 1973}.
Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merritt
By April 1972
Jeff was 'broke' and living in poverty in a South Beach Hotel in Miami Beach, with his Wife and 6 year-old child.
Jeff {Age; 25 years, 3 months} had a record of 19-1-0 {14 KO's}, and was supposed to be promoted by Chris Dundee,
but no fights cam Jeff's way.
Jeff's last bout was way back on July 26, 1971 {9-Months} earlier, on the undercard of the Muhammad Ali vs. Jimmy Ellis
bout in Houston at the Astrodome.
In that bout, Jeff received $1000 to put away one Al Banks in a preliminary bout.
For Jeff, the problem was, he was too good. At 6' 4" and 215 lbs., he carried power in both fists and was too dangerous in the
early going of a fight, as evident by his '7' 1st-Round Knockouts, and '5' 2nd-Round Knockouts.
No ranked fighter wanted to take the 'risk' of fighting Jeff for little money.
Angelo Dundee, "Jeff's problem, is that he's good, unranked and dangerous. In boxing, that's a bad mix in
trying to get anybody with a name to fight you."
To survive, Jeff lived off 'hand-outs' of {$5.00 per Day} at the Fifth Street Gym from other fighters, managers and trainers.
Only minor jobs of Dishwashing, working at a Car Wash, and House Painting let Jeff provide some meager offerings for his family.
January 1974
Don King had '2' hard-banging Heavyweights in Earnie Shavers and Jeff Merritt.
But, Earnie had just suffered a {L KO 1} top Jerry Quarry at Madison Square Garden
on December 13, 1973.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On January 24, 1974
Earnie Shavers decided to call it quits, and abruptly ended his career {temporarily}.
It was now up to Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merritt to make it to the top. Now based in Cleveland, Ohio
Jeff was being trained by Richie Giachetti.
Jeff {Age; 27 years, 0 months} had a record of 23-1-0 {18 KO's}, and was the #5 WBA-ranked heavyweight
Jeff was starting to get a lot of press, and many considered the young Knock-Out Artist a 'comer' in the
Heavyweight Division, and would most likely become a future Champion.
There was already talk of Jeff taking on the 'winner' of the George Foreman - Ken Norton Championship bout,
with a possible date for June 1974.
Tuesday ~ February 12, 1974,
'Manager' Don King signed up his fighter Jeff Merritt to take on West Coast's ~ Henry Clark
out of San Francisco, set for March 4, 1974 at the Coliseum in Oakland.
Don was ranting-and-raving that Jeff was the 'new' excitement in boxing and that his fighter was the 'dreadnought' of the Division.
Don pumped out Press Releases, that Jeff was the next Champion of the World and the future of the
Heavyweight Division.
Don King
"We'll put Henry Clark flat out on his back in front of his family and friends in Oakland. Then after
that, we'll take on either George Foreman or Ken Norton for the Heavyweight Championship in July 1974."
Sunday ~ February 17, 1974
Jeff Merritt was in Cleveland, Ohio preparing for his up coming bout with Henry Clark
set for March 4th.
Henry Clark was down in Houston, Texas - helping George Foreman prepare for his
Heavyweight Championship Title defense against Ken Norton.
The 'verbal sparring' started, as Jeff Merritt promised to lay-out Henry within 3-Rounds.
Jeff Merritt >
"I'll put Henry away, and retire him. He's got nothing in his repertoire to hold me back. I might
just send him floating on his back in the San Francisco Bay."
Henry, said he respected Jeff's power, but stated that Jeff Merritt was not in George Foreman's
league in strength or power.
Henry Clark >
"If I can take George's punches, then I have no fear of Jeff's punches. He''s dreaming if he thinks
he hits as hard as George."
Tale of the Tape
Monday ~ March 4, 1974 {Coliseum Arena ~ Oakland, California}
Promoter; Garden City Boxing Club {Joe Gagliardi}
Jeff Merritt
'Candy Slim'
Age........... 27 years, 2 months
Height....... 6' 4 1/2"
Weight...... 216 lbs.
Record...... 23-1-0 {18 KO's}
Ranking..... #5 WBA ~ #10 Ring Magazine
Manager.... Don King
Henry Clark
'Baby Face'
Age........... 29 years, 0 months
Height....... 6' 3"
Weight...... 215 lbs.
Record...... 28-8-3 {8 KO's}
Ranking..... #18 WBA
Manager.... Joe Herman
Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merritt
Was working with Richie Giachetti as his chief trainer in 1973 and 1974.
Prior to fighting Henry Clark on March 4, 1974 >
Richie Giachetti >
"Jeff is one of the most vicious punchers that I have ever seen. In sparring, he breaks people.
He doesn't hit as hard as George Foreman, but he is sharper with his punches. He is more
accurate, and quicker."
"Jeff fractured Earnie Shavers jaw {July 1973} and took it off it's hinge with one punch. I have
never seen that before. The kid is over 6' 4", and is real tall-and-lanky. He doesn't give you the
appearance that he is a brutal puncher, but he gets so much leverage in his swings, and that
doubles the power."
"We've had a hard time getting sparring partners for Jeff. He busts everybody up in 1 or 2 Rounds,
and nobody wants to take him on anymore here in Cleveland."
"He'll be tested by Henry Clark, as he has never been off his feet. Henry is tougher than he appears,
and is a tricky sort of boxer who gives you angles. Jeff just has to be patient, and wait for an opening.
Sooner or later, he'll get to Henry."
More InformationQuote:
Originally Posted by Scott22
Drew 'Bundini' Brown was Jeff Merritt's 'advisor' for 1973 and 1974.
Bundini came to Oakland on February 22nd ~ with Jeff, Don King and Richie Giachetti
for the March 4, 1974 bout against Henry Clark.
Don King wanted Bundini Brown along for inspiration, and to watch Jeff and 'stall' his late night
activities.
As Bundini Brown stated
"Jeff is his own worst enemy. He has all the talent in the World, as long as he keeps his head straight.
He has the potential to be a Heavyweight Champion."
Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merritt
In 1973,
Jeff became a 'legend'.
First > Don King bought Jeff's contract from Chris Dundee.
Second > Jeff 'fractured' Earnie Shavers jaw in a July 16th sparring session at Grossinger's Country Club in upstate New York.
Third > Jeff scored a TKO 1 over Ernie Terrell on September 10th at Madison Square Garden, New York.
Fourth > Jeff scored a KO 3 over 'rock-jawed' Ron Stander on November 28th in Cleveland.
Fifth > Jeff was getting 'a ton' of Press, and was being proclaimed as the 'future' of the Heavyweight Division.
As January 1974, Jeff was now rated as the #5 Heavyweight.
Jeff Merritt vs. Henry Clark 'II' {Scheduled for Monday ~ March 4, 1974}
Jeff and Henry had met {4 1/2 years} earlier, back in August 18, 1969 at Madison Square Garden.
At the time, Jeff {Age; 22 years, 7 months} was 10-1-0 {7 KO's}.
Henry {Age; 24 years, 5 months} with a record of 17-5-3 {4 KO's} was brought in as a 'stiff test' for Jeff,
as Henry had never been knocked off his feet, 'ever'.
Henry had already been ranked as high as #5 by the WBA in July 1968, before losing by {L TKO 7} to
former Champion ~ Sonny Liston in July 1968.
The 1st-bout between Jeff and Henry was competitive, but Jeff won a 'solid' 8-Round Unanimous Decision.
At the Friday Night ~ March 1st, 1974 Press Conference
Henry Clark >
"Our 1st-bout was close, and Jeff won a disputed 8-Round Split-Decision at Madison Square Garden. Jeff was living
in New York City, and he was their guy. That win was 'tainted'. Anywhere else, and it would have been a Draw."
Jeff Merritt >
"Split-Decision my ass. I won every Round of that fight. I've never been involved in a Split-Decision in my life. Every
fight that I've had that has been a Decision, has been a convincing one in my favor. I practically chased you {Henry} out
of the Ring in the 1st and 2nd Rounds."
"I was so good in that fight in August 1969, that I scared the 'shit' out of Floyd Patterson {who was supposed to fight me in October 1969},
into staying retired for another 12-Months {1-Year}."
You are basically telling us the book :)
Oakland, California
Friday Night ~ March 1, 1974
Jeff Merritt vs. Henry Clark 'II' ~ Press Conference
Jeff Merrit>
"In our 1st-fight, I was only a 22 year-old kid with 11-fights under my belt. And I still beat the Crap out of him."
"I nailed Henry with a left-hook to the jaw in the 1st-Round, and he back-pedaled so fast, I thought he was going
to back up all the way back to San Francisco."
"I chased him all over the Ring in the 2nd-Round after I nailed him with right-cross to the jaw. His legs wobbled like
Jelly on a hot piece of toast."
"Unfortunately, I cracked a bone in my right-wrist in the 3rd-Round, and I couldn't use that hand for the rest of the fight,
so I just jabbed the Hell out of him throughout the rest of the night with my left-hand. He won maybe one round
{the 6th-Round}, after I had the fight in the bag."
Jeff Merritt vs. Henry Clark
On Henry Clark,
The 29 year-old San Francisco veteran with a record of 28-8-3 {8 KO's} was ranked as the #18 Heavyweight.
Henry had been part of George Foreman's sparring team. Henry had spent 5-Weeks in Houston, Texas - {January and February}
before coming back to the Pleasanton, California Camp on February 24th. Henry was helping George prepare for his upcoming
March 26, 1974 Title Defense against Ken Norton.
Henry Clark >
"I go 4-Rounds with George every day. We have 'Wars' in the Gym, and he can't put me down. So if anybody thinks that I'm afraid
of getting back into the Ring with Jeff Merritt, they have a screw loose."
"Nobody hits harder than George. Now Jeff is a good fighter, and he is a sharp puncher. But, he's not in George's league as power goes.
George has superior physical strength and can break your forearm with a punch. Jeff may be a little sharper puncher, but that's about it."
"Why did I take this fight. It's getting late in my career, and I need a big win to get a Title fight. After I beat Jeff on Monday Night, I'll be
next in the line for a Championship Bout, or a major $$$ fight."
"I haven't been in the Ring in nearly 9-Months {Last bout; June 26, 1973} but I've been in the Gym 5-days a week over that stretch.
I'm in shape and ready to go. As a matter of fact, I feel a little light at 215 lbs."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Archie Moore chimes in >
"They've asked me if Jeff Merritt is a great fighter, or a well promoted fighter. Well, he's better than he was. When I first came in to
Cleveland to help him in March 1973, he was out-of-shape. But after 3-Months {by June 1973} of working with me, he was in great
shape and punching hard."
"He's getting better. He can hit, and is a big puncher. Yes, he busted Earnie Shavers jaw in July 1973, and that has made Jeff a
'Gym Session Legend'. But there are questions about his desire. We'll see Monday Night, as Henry is a good 'Bay Area Fighter' who
doesn't scare easily. He'll fight back hard after he gets hit, even though he's not a big banger."
Monday Night ~ March 4, 1974
Jeff 'Candy Clim' Merritt vs. Henry 'Baby Face' Clark
Oakland Coliseum Arena ~ Oakland, California
* Attendance........ 1572
* Gate Receipts.... $11,414
The Fight
Jeff Merritt charged from his corner, and came 3/4 of the way across the Ring, where he met Henry Clark 'head on', who was
coming out of his corner.
Jeff wound up and landed a grazing left-right, as Henry countered with a left-jab and right-hand.
Jeff then wound up again, just as Henry countered and exploded a powerful left-hook that landed on Jeff's exposed chin.
Henry's punch landed 'flush' on Jeff's chin, sending him reeling backwards across Center-Ring and down on his haunhes.
Jeff got up to his feet at the '8-Count' as Referee - Tony Bostich gave him the 'Mandatory Count'.
Jeff was 'dazed and confused' as he got up on wobbly legs. The action continued at the {0:19 Mark}.
Henry came at Jeff with a blaze, and landed a vicious volley of punches that sent Jeff reeling across
the Ring and to the right-side Ropes.
Jeff 'stunned', tried to grab the top Rope-strand with his left hand as he was reeling backwards from
a punch. At that moment, Henry unloaded a vicious right-hand to Jeff's exposed chin.
Jeff then crashed backwards to the canvas in a heap at the {0:37 Mark}.
Referee - Tony Bosnich started the count, and as he got to '10' he called it over as Jeff was just trying
to get up.
'Winner' > Henry Clark by Knockout @ 0:47 of the 1st Round.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
George Foreman who was in attendance commented >
"That was supposed to be the guy that I was afraid of. They offered me $50,000 back in July 1971 to fight him. I should
have taken it."
"Now Henry moves up to the next slot. After I get rid of Ken Norton on March 26th, we'll see if we can put together a bout
between Henry and myself here in Oakland. With that Knockout tonight, he earned a Championship Bout."
Don King
Heavyweight Fighters
* Earnie Shavers
* Jeff Merritt
A 'disaster' for Don King, and his Cleveland-based stable.
Earnie Shavers, the 'KO Artist' otherwise known as 'The Dark Destroyer'. Riding high after his June 18, 1973 'Kaboom' {KO 1}
over Jimmy Ellis at Madison Square Garden, is '1-Bout' away from challenging George Foreman.
Earnie gets his jaw 'de-hinged' by Jeff Merritt in the infamous Sunday Afternoon ~ July 15, 1973 sparring session
at Grossinger's Country Club in upstate, New York, putting Earnie out-of-action for the schedule July 25, 1973 bout
with Jerry Quarry at Madison Square Garden.
Earnie comes back 5-Months later, only to get 'blitzed' {KO'd in 1} by Jerry Quarry on December 13, 1973 at Madison Square Garden.
One-month later, Earnie abruptly retires {temporarily} on January 17, 1974.
Jeff Merritt is now the 'new' boy, following an exciting 1973 campaign, which includes 'fracturing'
Earnie Shavers jaw on July 15th.
Then Jeff scores a 'shocking and stunning' {TKO 1} over Ernie Terrell on September 10th at Madison Square Garden.
Then 'wallopis' Ron Stander by a TKO 3 on November 28th in Cleveland, which included flooring
'The Council Bluff's Butcher' {3-times}, something that had never been done before.
Prior to Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merritt fighting Henry Clark on March 4, 1974 and at the Oakland Coliseum Arena,
Don King said that he was going to move his Headquarters to the Bay Area, and put San Francisco and Oakland
on the map as the Heavyweight Capitol of the World.
Did you know Ali beat Shavers?
Did you know, that Earnie Shavers '1st' retired on January 17, 1974.Quote:
Originally Posted by Master
Yes, I believe Muhammad Ali won the 15-Round Decision over Earnie Shavers in 1977, but got his brain dislodged in the process.
Agree.......
Tuesday ~ March 5, 1974
Oakland, California
Jeff Merritt responds to his shocking '47-Second' 1st Round Knockout loss to Henry Clark.
"No excuses. Henry caught me 'cold'. It was a hard left-hook that 1st put me down, and I saw 'stars'.
I never saw the punch coming. After I got up, I had no idea of where I was. I was fighting on instinct
alone."
"Well, I beat him once, and he beat me once, We're '1-and-1'. Maybe we can have one more fight to settle
the score. I guess I could ask for another bout, and I'll even fight here in Oakland again. What are the
rules here in California. Do I have to sit out for 60-Days before I fight again. I'll come back in May,
as long as the promoter {Joe Gagliardi} puts up another fair fight purse."
"I guess I'll go back to Cleveland, and re-group. I still want to fight. I guess I'll just have to work harder
to make it back up into the Top 10 again."
Jeff Merritt was supposed to receive a $10,000 Fight Purse for his bout with Henry Clark. It was
reported, that Don King {Manager} gave Jeff substantially less.
According to Jeff's friends, the main concern for Jeff was to hurry up and get back to his 1972 Buick Riviera
in Cleveland with 'Candy' license plates, and cruise for Chicks while shoving 'candy' up his nose and shooting
'smack' {Heroin} in his arm.
1974
'The Lost Year For Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merritt'
After the disaster loss {L KO 1} to Henry Clark in just 47-Seconds in Oakland on March 4, 1974.
Don King was able to get Jeff another bout lined up in California. This time it was set for Thursday,
May 16th and in San Jose at the Civic Auditorium against 'Trial-Horse' - Roy 'Cookie' Wallace.
Babe Griffin {Fight Promoter} was interested in getting Jeff some 'action' on the West Coast despite
the shocking loss to Henry Clark. Babe had a few 'safe' bouts lined up for Jeff, something that
Don King had recommended.
Jeff, was in Cleveland {half-training and half-partying in late-April and early-May} for his upcoming
May 16th bout in San Jose, California.
Jeff was supposed to head out to San Jose on Monday, May 13th with Trainer - Richie Giachetti.
But on Monday, Jeff never showed up to Don King's office to get his Airline Tickets, itinerary and
expense money.
Jeff was again, missing-in-action and nowhere to be found in Cleveland.
In a rush, Don King got Earnie Shavers out of temporary retirement to fill in for the 'missing' Jeff Merritt.
Earnie {at 210 lbs.} and with only minor training, headed out to San Jose as the placement fighter. No
problem for Earnie, as he blasted Cookie Wallace out in just 2:11 of Round 1.
1974
'The Lost Year For Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merrit'
Don King was royally 'pissed-off' at Jeff for disappearing for his May 16th bout.
Don had worked out a Boxing Schedule for Jeff, which included '3' real easy monthly bouts;
starting off with Roy 'Cookie' Wallace on May 16th in San Jose, California.
Then following bouts in California for;
* June vs. Charlie 'Devil' Green
* July vs. Charlie James
None of the above bouts ever took place, as Jeff was acting bizarre with his flighty behavior.
In the interim, Don King shipped Jeff off to the Deer Lake Training Camp in Pennsylvania so Jeff could provide his
services as a sparring partner for Muhammad Ali, while he was prepping for his September 25th {original date} bout
with George Foreman set for Kinshasa, Zaire.
Muhammad had opened Camp at Deer Lake in early-June, and had planned to work out there thru the end of August,
before heading to Africa on September 4th.
In June and July, Jeff was there with Roy 'Tiger' Williams and Larry Holmes.
1974
'The Lost Year For Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merriit'
At the Deer Lake Traing Camp, Jeff was starting to get back into the 'groove' again, and by the middle of July he was nearly
firing 'on-all-cylinders'.
Jeff had lumped up Muhmmad Ali in a sparring-session, and had also tore into both Roy 'Tiger' Williams and Larry Holmes.
Jeff would usually have '2' good days, then disappear for '1'.
On July 16th, Don King called and told Jeff that he got a fight purse offer of {$2000} for a bout scheduled for Tuesday, July 30th
and set for The Auditorium in Miami Beach.
The opponent was a not too difficult Miami Heavyweight in Johnny Summerville. Don told Jeff that it was good 'stepping stone'
bout to get back on the right track.
Jeff accepted.
But again Jeff 'played shenanigans' and pulled out. On Friday, July 26th {only 4-Days} before the bout Jeff claimed that he
had an arm-injury.
After about a week, Jeff was back at the Deer Park Training Camp looking for work again as a sparring-partner.
While Jeff was a 'terror' in sparring-sessions, there were questions about his heart and/or desire to engage in a real 'legitimate' fight.
Hey Bill,or should i say Jeff.
You seem to be quite 'truculent' today.Quote:
Originally Posted by roberto duran legend
1974
The Lost Year For Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merrit
In early August, the intensity at the Deer Lake Training Camp heated up. Muhammad Ali was improving each day, as his
sparring sessions were better and better.
Both Roy 'Tiger' Williams and Jeff were the main fighters to imitate George Foreman's big swings, and both were instrumental
in helping Muhammad get ready for 'Big George'.
On Saturday, August 3rd, Don King called his fighter {Jeff Merritt} with an offer for a bout in Nassau, Bahamas. The bout was
set for Friday Night, August 16th.
It was a nice $3000 fight purse {plus expenses} to take on the Jamaican Heavyweight Champion - Oliver Wright.
Don King told Jeff that it was a 'nice' comeback bout, and for easy money and against a relatively 'safe opponent'. Jeff said 'yes',
but wanted half of the fight purse {$1500} money up front.
But Don King was reluctant to give Jeff that much money {$1500 cash} up front, as Jeff had a 'problem' {Heroin}, and was notorious
for disappearing.
Don said 'No', and told Jeff that he would give him only $300 {up front}, and with the rest of the money, after the Friday Night bout,
when he got back home from the Bahamas.
But Jeff said no, and demanded the up front money.
1974
The Lost Year For Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merritt
Monday, August 5th
Jeff Merritt continued to have 'words' with Don King over the money issue on the ''possible' August 16th bout in The Bahamas.
But Don King stuck to his 'guns', and said no to the $1500 up front demand.
An upset and pissed-off Jeff finally told Don, 'to stick it'.
That was pretty much the end of the Don King/Jeff Merritt {Manager/Fighter Partnership}.
Jeff went back to his sparring-partner job with Muhammad Ali for next {3} Weeks.
Jeff was expecting to go along with the 'Muhammad Ali Entourage' to Zaire in early-September, and with hopes of getting a bout
on the Fight Card.
But, Jeff was 'shocked' when he was told that he wasn't part of the 'Ali Team' and was not invited to go to Zaire with Roy 'Tiger' Williams
and Larry Holmes.
On Saturday, August 24th - Jeff received his 'final' weekly paycheck {$300} from the Ali Camp, and left to go back home to Cleveland.
Now with No Work, No Manager and No Fights lined up, Jeff was back to his 'bad ways'.
And the word on the street to other Fight Promoters, was to stay away from Jeff Merritt, as he was 'bad news', a drug addict and nothing but trouble,.
Camp[I]1974[/I
The Lost Year For Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merritt
Once Jeff was released form the Muhammad Ali Camp {Deer Lake Training Camp} on August 24th, he was pretty much on his own.
Don King was too busy with putting together 'The Rumble in the Jungle', and could care less about 'small potatoes'.
Don put it bluntly to Jeff > "I have bigger fish to fry."
By September 1st, Jeff was trying to offer his services to get on several East Coast Fight Cards. There was a September 10th
Fight Card at The Spectrum in Philadelphia, but there was no 'real money' in the bout, as Jeff was only offered $700 to fight
Joe 'Top Cat' Gholston.
Jeff got in touch of Teddy Brenner of Madison Square Garden, and Jeff 'begged' onto a September 9th Fight Card at The Garden.
But Jeff was too late, as the card was already filled.
Jeff asked about future bouts, but Teddy only replied > "We'll see what we can do for you Jeff, but I can't promise you anything."
There was a possibility of a Fight Card in Orlando, Florida for late-September, with Jeff facing Leon 'The Shadow' Shaw. But 'No Luck'
as that Fight Card was cancelled and pushed back to November 9th.
By the end of September 1974, Jeff was 'running on fumes', and decided to leave Cleveland and drive back home to
Kansas City, Missouri to see his family {Mother} and friends.
'Trouble Will Be Coming Back To Kansas City'
1974
The Lost Year For Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merritt
October 2, 1974
Jeff drove from Cleveland, Ohio to Kansas City Missouri. Jeff was now without a Manager, and with no Promoter willing to take a chance on him.
It had been 7-Months {since March 4th} when Jeff last fought {KO'd in 1 by Henry Clark}. His only work was as a $300/Week Sparring-Partner
for Muhammad Ali from early June thru August 24th.
Jeff was hoping to hook up with a Springfield, Missouri 'fight promoter', in hopes of getting a few 'easy' Mid-West bouts, to make some money
and get back into a regular boxing regiment.
Jeff arrived in Kansas City on the 3rd and visited his family and friends. Jeff stayed there until the 9th.
Thursday, October 10th >
Jeff hooks up with friend {M.T. Simpson} and another friend {un-named}. M.T. Simpson agrees to drive Jeff, Jeff's sister, another girl and the other
gentleman to the Boxing Card in Springfield. Late Thursday afternoon, they all meet up as M.T. drives {3 Hours} South to the Shrine Mosque in Springfield, Missouri.
Jeff is supposed to talk to the Fight Promoter about some future bouts in Springfield.
The Fight Card features local veteran and journeyman Lightweight 'Irish' Johnny Copeland, and popular John 'Penny' Pinney an undefeated Middleweight
with a record of 25-0-2 {14 KO's}. Both fighters are Springfield, Missouri natives.
A large local crowd of 3500+ is expected, and Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merritt is to be introduced to the Springfield fans, as a fighter that wants to come back home to fight.
Thursday ~ October 10, 1974
Jeff Merritt and friends did attend the Boxing Card at the Shrine Mosque in Springfield, Missouri.
Later that night ~ Jeff, his sister and 3 friends did return back to Kansas City, getting back home well after Midnight,
somewhere around 1:00 AM {Friday, October 11th}.
But instead of going home {to his Mother's house}, Jeff hooked up with '2' old friends from the neighborhood, sometime
around 2:00 AM.
Looking for Trouble,
Sometime in the early AM hours of Friday, Jeff and his '2' friends decide to go cruise thru some sections of several
Kansas City neighborhoods, looking for 'action'. They hopped in one of the guys cars {1971 Ford Torino} and went cruising.
Somebody in the group had a 'bright idea' and said > "Hey, let's rob a house".
Well they did,
They broke into a house {while the members in the home were sleeping}. The '3' burglars woke up the couple who were
sleeping in their home, and 'robbed' them of a;
* Television
* Watch
* Radio
* .32 caliber Beretta Pistol
* $13.00.
Soon after the '3' men left, the 'robbed family' reported the burglary. The local Kansas City Police investigated, and got
identification of the '3' men and a {1971 Ford Torino} that was cruising thru the same neighborhood around 4:00 AM.
Good Police work lead to several arrests, and Jeff Merritt was mentioned as one of the burglars.
He was identified as 'one' of the burglars by the couple who were robbed.
March 6, 1975
Newspaper Headlines
'BOXING CAREER BEGAN IN PRISON...... AND IT MAY END THERE'
'BOXING CAREER ENDS AT MISSORI STATE PRISON'
'PRISON SENTENCE RETIRES HOPE FOR BOXING CAREER'
Heavyweight Boxer ~ Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merritt sits in a Jackson County Jail in Kansas City, Missouri
and may end back up in the Missouri State Prison in Jefferson City where it all began.
Just 1-year ago, Jeff was ranked as the #5 WBA and #6 Ring Magazine Heavyweight, and was
mentioned as a future Heavyweight Champion for 1974 or 1975.
Jeff rose from despair in December 1967 {Paroled from the Missouri State Prison}, to become one of the most
talked about 'future stars' for the Heavyweight Division.
As early as August 1969, Jeff was riding high, following an impressive 8-Round Decision over Top 20 Heavyweight
Henry Clark at Madison Square Garden. Jeff's management had big plans, with bouts lined up against
former 2-Time Heavyweight Champion - Floyd Patterson {for October 1969}, and then Canadian Champion -
George Chuvalo for {January 1970}, and then to go after WBA Champion Jimmy Ellis.
But a string of bad-luck followed;
* Broken bone in his right-hand
* Back injuries
* Change in management
* Cancelled bots
* Continued run-ins with the law
As of right now, the 28 year-old Heavyweight {who is originally from Kansas City, Missouri} has a boxing record of 23-2-0 {18 KO's},
and is still rated in the Top 20 by Ring Magazine {#19} in the Heavyweight Division. But Jeff has not been in the 'Ring' in 1-Year,
{sine March 4, 1974}, and the future does not look promising. Jeff still has the talent to make it to the top, but a return to Prison will
undoubtedly end his hopes and dreams.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...4EXWJPJ-t5yt5g
March 1975
Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merritt
Interview
'Boxing is all I know. If I wasn't fighting in the Ring, I was doing some terrible things on the street. I was a bad dude.
I thought that I could get away with anything, as I have gotten away with a lot of things that I should have went back
to jail for.'
'Women and Drugs have ruined me. Heroin is in my veins, and I can't stop. Oh, I've gone 3-Months without it, but then
I return. It's the Devil man, the Devil.'
'I've been stabbed, shot and needled up. I must have 3-Pounds of metal in me. I can't even go through an airport metal
detector without having the alarm go off every time I walk through the gate. It's F***ing embarrassing.'
'I don't know howl long I'll be in jail {Missouri State Prison}. I still want to fight, so I'll have to see if they have some kind
of 'athletic program' where I may be able to get some bouts in Prison or outside with a 'special release program'. I'm only
{Age; 28}, when I should be in my best years of Boxing. Yet here I am in Missouri and written off as a 'failure' and a bust.
I'm nothing but a drug addict boxer who no one wants to deal with anymore.'
'I've called my last manager {Don King}, and he told me that I wasted my talent. He's 100% right. He really doesn't want to
deal with me anymore, and he said I was more trouble than I was worth. He said I cost him $15,000 in 1-year {1974}, not
including another $5000 in Legal Bills.'
'The only thing I have left, is a few dollars {$830} in the Bank, a couple pieces of Gold jewelry, a watch and some clothes.
I had to sell my car {1972 Buick Riviera} to pay for my Lawyer.'
That is seriously sad. Such a shame.
What A Waste Of Talent............Quote:
Originally Posted by Master