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

Howard 'Kayo' Smith

A very good Heavyweight out of Los Angeles, California.

Was avoided by many, and 'Kayo' had a difficult time getting fights.

http://178.32.177.128/thumb/9/9f/Smi...mithHoward.jpg

Howard, a solid 6' 2 1/2" and 205 lb. 'boxer/puncher had a very good Amateur career.

He turned Professional on May 8, 1971 {Age; 24 years, 3 months}

Howard was impressive in Professional Debut;

* May 8, 1971 ..... KO 3 ... George Gray - 1-0-0 {1 KO}

But, Howard injured his right-hand, and was laid up for 6-Months.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He returned;

* November 6, 1971 ... KO 1 .... 'Fiji' Cannibal Nuapia - 3-0-0 {3 KO's}
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next up was Bakersfield Heavyweight - 29 year-old - Don Koontz, a former prospect
who had a record of 13-4-0 {7 KO's}

* December 8, 1971 ..... KO 2 - Don Koontz

Thursday ~ January 13, 1972

Olympic Auditorium

Howard 3-0-0 {3 KO's} gets to take on another highly regarded
25 year-old Heavyweight like himself.

Henry 'Super Pepper' Culpepper ~ 8-1-0 {4 KO's}.

Henry, who was a top amateur California Heavyweight from 1967 thru 1970
is trained by legendary - Canto 'T-N-T' Robledo.

In a heated and spirited 6-Rounder, Henry Culpepper edges Howard
by a Majority Decision

Scorecards .... 3-2 / 2-2 / 3-2

The loss put Howard at 3-1-0 {3 KO's}, but even worse, is that Howard
damaged his 'right-hand' again, and was out-of-action for 8-Months.

Thursday ~ September 14, 1972

Olympic Auditorium

Howard {Age; 25 years, 8 months} returns to the Ring, after being idle for
8-Months to allow his right-hand to heal.

His opponent will be Mike Weaver, who will be making his Professional Debut.

Mike {Age; 21 years, 3 months} is deciding to turn Pro after a successful amateur
career in the Marines, which included winning several All-Marine Championships and
All-Service Regional Meets.

Note; Howard and Mike had met 'twice' before in All-Service Tournaments. Both
claimed one win, and one loss.

Howard 'Kayo' Smith ~ 3-1-0 {3 KO's} ~ 202 lbs.
vs.
'Hercules' Mike Weaver ~ 0-0-0 {0 KO's} ~ 193 lbs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The Bout"

Both fighters come out boxing, by using left-jabs and slight movement, as each
look for an opening to counter.

The action is steady-paced for the first 2:00 of the Round. But 'All Hell Breaks Loose'
over the last minute, as both fighters slam in heavy right-hands and left-hooks to
the head.

Both fighters are 'staggered' over the last 15-Seconds of Round 1.

In Round 2, the action picks up where it left off, as each fighter takes turns
landing jarring blows. First, Howard has the edge, then Mike rallies.

But just before the Bell, Howard lands a solid 'left-right' to Mike's mid-section,
and Mike looks in pain.

In Round 3, Howard comes out winging, looking to finish a 'stomach woozy'
Weaver.

Howard slams away at Mike with both left-and-right hands for 2-Minutes straight.

Howard keeps punching away, as he keeps Mike pinned along the Ropes.

Suddenly at the {2:05 Mark}, Howard lands a straight right-hand to the jaw, and
a follow up 'left-right' to the mid-section..

Mike is hurt as he bends over. Howard steps in and lands a 'wicked' left-hook to
the head, and a short right-hand to the body, as Mike falls to the canvas.

Mike is counted out @ 2:21 of Round 3.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bill Paxtom

Thursday ~ September 14, 1972

Olympic Auditorium

Howard {Age; 25 years, 8 months} returns to the Ring, after being idle for
8-Months to allow his right-hand to heal.

His opponent will be Mike Weaver, who will be making his Professional Debut.

Mike {Age; 21 years, 3 months} is deciding to turn Pro after a successful amateur
career in the Marines, which included winning several All-Marine Championships and
All-Service Regional Meets.

Note; Howard and Mike had met 'twice' before in All-Service Tournaments. Both
claimed one win, and one loss.

Howard 'Kayo' Smith ~ 3-1-0 {3 KO's} ~ 202 lbs.
vs.
'Hercules' Mike Weaver ~ 0-0-0 {0 KO's} ~ 193 lbs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The Bout"

Both fighters come out boxing, by using left-jabs and slight movement, as each
look for an opening to counter.

The action is steady-paced for the first 2:00 of the Round. But 'All Hell Breaks Loose'
over the last minute, as both fighters slam in heavy right-hands and left-hooks to
the head.

Both fighters are 'staggered' over the last 15-Seconds of Round 1.

In Round 2, the action picks up where it left off, as each fighter takes turns
landing jarring blows. First, Howard has the edge, then Mike rallies.

But just before the Bell, Howard lands a solid 'left-right' to Mike's mid-section,
and Mike looks in pain.

In Round 3, Howard comes out winging, looking to finish a 'stomach woozy'
Weaver.

Howard slams away at Mike with both left-and-right hands for 2-Minutes straight.

Howard keeps punching away, as he keeps Mike pinned along the Ropes.

Suddenly at the {2:05 Mark}, Howard lands a straight right-hand to the jaw, and
a follow up 'left-right' to the mid-section..

Mike is hurt as he bends over. Howard steps in and lands a 'wicked' left-hook to
the head, and a short right-hand to the body, as Mike falls to the canvas.

Mike is counted out @ 2:21 of Round 3.

---

damn so this cat KOed Mike Weaver. Impressive.

Rematch

{7-Weeks later}

Tuesday ~ October 31, 1972

Civic Auditorium ~ Bakersfield, California

Howard Smith ~ 5-1-0 {4 KO's} ~ 203 lbs.
vs.
Mike Weaver ~ 0-1-0 {0 KO's} ~ 195 lbs.

This bout was scheduled for 5-Rounds.

Howard Smith was supposed to face another Heavyweight, but he pulled out.

Mike Weaver was willing to jump back in the Ring with Howard, and filled-in
on 4-Days notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The Bout"

This time, the fighters fought at a slower-pace, and opened up by mixing in
left-jabs and pawing counters.

Thru 3-Rounds, the bout was 'all square', as neither fighter was able to take
advantage.

In Round 4, the best action occurred, as Howard was able to 'shake' Mike with
several accurate right-hand leads to the chin over the first-half of the session.

But Mike did put up a fight, and rallied later in the Round when he landed his own
solid left-hooks to rattle Howard.

In Round 5, Howard was a little busier over Mike who started to tire. Over the
last minute, it was Howard who was the effective puncher, as Mike did little
while leaning on the Ropes.

Scorecards
* Referee - Eddie Fierro ....... 3-1 {Howard Smith}
* Judge .............................. 3-2 {Howard Smith}
* Judge .............................. 2-1 {Howard Smith}

damn he beat the boy twice

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust

damn he beat the boy twice

---

And, Howard Smith flattened {KO 2} Mike Weaver in the Amateurs, in an
All-Service Military {1969} bout between the Army and the Marines.

Mike won '1-Bout' also, by a {Dec 3}.

Thursday ~ November 16, 1972

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angeles, California

Howard 'Kayo' Smith ~ 5-1-0 {4 KO's} ~ 203 lbs. ~ 6' 1/2"
vs.
Dan 'Ronnell' Johnson ~ 10-1-0 {10 KO's} ~ 202 lbs. ~ 6' 1"

This was a 10-Round 'Co-Main Event'

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dan 'Ronnell' Johnson was labeled a 'sleeper'. Because he had no 'fan fare',
but he could whack hard.

23 year-old - Dan Johnson {Deland, Florida} was coming off a bout which was up
for 'Fight of the Year' in California.

5-Months earlier {June 15, 1972}, Dan took on 'highly-touted' and unbeaten Argentinian
- Pedro Lovell at the Olympic Auditorium.

In that bout, Dan floored Pedro 'twice' in the 1st-Round and nearly scored a 'shocking'
Knockout.

It was a wild bout that was telecast on KCOP-TV.

But Pedro came back, and 'broke' Dan's jaw in the 3rd-Round, and the bout was
quickly stopped by a TKO 3.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The Bout"

Howard fought a smart and tactical fight over the big-swinging Floridian.

Round-after-Round, Howard sent out snappy left-jabs into the face of Johnson, who
was attempting to get in close, to sling in his wide-hooks.

By Round 8, Johnson was arm-weary and near exhausted, as well as receiving a
boxing-lesson from Howard.

In Round 10 {Final Round} > Howard opened up on a 'weary' Johnson, and battered
him into the Ropes. There, Howard unleashed a barrage, and dropped Johnson with a
a '7-Punch' combination to the head.

Referee - Rudy Jordan counted out Dan Johnson at 1:13 of Round 10.

where do you get your store house of info? Amazing facts and details. Takes me back in time.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust

where do you get your store house of info? Amazing facts and details. Takes me back in time.

---

Thanks for the compliment 'Triple B'

My Database is loaded with 'tid-bits'.

Saturday ~ May 5, 1973

Phoenix Union's Montgomery Stadium ~ Phoenix, Arizona

Attendance....... { 1890 }

Main Event ....... Jimmy Ellis vs. Rico Brooks

-----------------------------------------------------------

Semi-Main Event

Howard 'Kayo' Smith - 6-1-0 {5 KO's} ~ 204 lbs.
vs.
Allen 'Evil' Evans ~ 13-6-0 {9 KO's} ~ 199 lbs.

Howard Smith has been 'idle' for 5 1/2 months. But in late-April 1973, he
gets a call to be a sparring-partner for former WBA Heavyweight Champion
- Jimmy Ellis who is training for an upcoming bout in Phoenix.

Howard takes the sparring-partner job, and also gets put on the Fight Card as
a 'Semi-Main Event' 8-Rounder.

Allen Evans, a 27 year-old Milwaukee Heavyweight who has several monikers >
of 'Evil', 'Big Al' and 'The Black Destroyer' is his opponent.

Evans was no easy fighter to handle. In his last bout {March 26, 1973}, he gave
World-Rated {#17} - 'Irish' Pat Duncan fits for 10-Rounds, only to lose a Split-Decision
in Duncan's backyard in Eugene, Oregon.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The Bout"

Rounds 1 and 2 were 'non-action' sessions, as both fighters pawed and
lightly jabbed.

But in Round 3, Howard came out jabbing faster, and scored fairly easy on
the now even 'less-active' Milwaukee Heavyweight.

By Round 4, Allen Evans realized that he didn't have the skills to box with
Howard, so he turned the bout into a 'comical show', and went to the Ropes
and let Howard hit him.

During the Round, every time that Howard landed a punch, Allen would turn
to the crowd and 'blow kisses' and 'wink' to the females at Ringside.

Then, starting in Round 5, each time that Allen got hit, he would yell to
Howard > "Come on big fellow".

This pattern stayed the course in Rounds 5 and 6.

By Round 7, Howard was pitching a near shut-out, as Allen Evans offered
up little other than a 'shove' or looping right-hand over Howard's left shoulder.

Round 8, was a more of the same.

Howard Smith was awarded the 'one-sided' Unanimous 8-Round Decision.

Scorecards ......... 80-73 / 80-74 / 80-74

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May 23, 1973

Howard 'Kayo' Smith was now a 'Heavyweight Boxer on the Rise'.

Fight Promoter - Mickey Davies then signed up California State Heavyweight
Champion - 'Giant' Jack O'Halloran to defend his Title on June 8, 1973
in San Diego.

Howard Smith {Age; 26 years, 5 months} and with a record of 7-1-0 {5 KO's}
was excited about the opportunity.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Howard Smith >

"I've finally got a chance to prove myself. This is my opportunity."

Friday ~ June 3, 1973

Coliseum ~ San Diego, California

Promoter .... Mickey Davies
Attendance... { 2630 }

'California State Heavyweight Championship'

Jack O'Halloran ~ 32-16-2 {16 KO's} ~ 6' 6" ~ 247 lbs. ~ {Age; 30 years, 2 months}
vs.
Howard Smith ~ 7-1-0- {5 KO's} ~ 6' 2 1/2" ~ 202 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 5 months}
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jack 'The Giant' O'Halloran is coming into this bout on a good streak,
where he has won 8-of-9 since July 1972.

The California State Heavyweight Champion is the #24 World-ranked
Heavyweight, and has been mentioned as a possible opponent for several
of the Top 10 Heavyweights.

"The Bout"

Howard Smith, giving up 4" in height and 45 lbs. in weight, stays on the
outside during the early Rounds, and O'Halloran presses during the first
4-Rounds.

But Howard changes the flow, and carries the fight to 'The Giant' in Rounds
5, 6 and 7, and out-speeds him with lefts-and-rights to the mid-section.

The action slows in Round 8, as both fighters maul-and-grab.

Howard who has slight-lead after 8-Rounds, tries to step up the pace in
Round 9 over the slow-footed O'Halloran.

But, Howard gets caught by a big right-hand, and suffers a bad {1" cut} on
the right eye-brow.

Jack sensing an opportunity, slams away at Howard, causing the cut to ooze
blood.

Jack keeps up the pressure on Howard in Round 10, and has his best Round
as he scores with clubbing right-hands, but he tires himself out in the process.

But Howard re-groups in Round 11, and presses the fight over the last 2-Rounds
by snapping off several 'left-right combinations to edge out a 12-Round Split-Decision.

Scorecards
* Referee - Frank Rustich ..... 6-5 {Howard Smith}
* Judge - Hal Rickards ......... 5-4 {Jack O'Halloran}
* Judge - Fred Hayes ........... 6-4 {Howard Smith}

Friday ~ November 9, 1973

Coliseum ~ San Diego, California

Howard 'Kayo' Smith ~ 8-1-0 {5 KO's} ~ 200 lbs.
vs.
Steve 'Iceman' Carter ~ 21-6-0 {10 KO's} ~ 203 lbs.

Howard Smith {missing in action for 5-Months} fills in as a 1-Week
replacement for #4 World-Ranked Jerry Quarry.

Note; Jerry Quarry had signed to face Steve 'Iceman' Carter for this bout
on September 23, 1973. But Jerry pulled out claiming an 'alleged' cut on
the jaw that he suffered in Training Camp 1-week before this bout.

Howard {Age; 26 years, 10 months} will engage in a 10-Rounder, but his
California State Heavyweight Championship will 'not' be on the line.

Steve Carter {Age; 24 years, 6 months} has said that he had been looking
to fight Howard Smith for the past year, and that he would accept Howard
as a replacement opponent.

'The Iceman' who is from Oakland and is Managed by Alan Moore, predicts
a victory by stating .... "I'll outbox the boxer."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The Bout"

Easy pickings here for Howard Smith, as he piled up the points by scoring with
light but continuous 'lefts-and-rights' on the surprisingly 'sluggish' Steve Carter.

Howard won '8' of the Rounds handily, other than Rounds 4 and 7, which were
fought competitively.

January 1974

"Nobody Wants to Fight Howard Smith'

Howard 'Kayo' Smith, is the California Heavyweight Champion.
But nobody knows him, and nobody wants to fight him either.

The now 27 year-old is waiting for an opportunity to fight anybody
in the Top 15, but he continues to wait.

Though Howard sits with an 'undistinguished' record of 9-1-0 {5 KO's},
he is a very capable > 6' 2 1/2" @ 205 lb. boxer-puncher.

Howard Smith >

"I have sparred with Earnie Shavers, Ken Norton, Jerry Quarry and Jimmy Ellis.
Those fellows know what I can do in the Ring. That's why they won't fight me
in a real bout."

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bill Paxtom

January 1974

"Nobody Wants to Fight Howard Smith'

Howard 'Kayo' Smith, is the California Heavyweight Champion.
But nobody knows him, and nobody wants to fight him either.

The now 27 year-old is waiting for an opportunity to fight anybody
in the Top 15, but he continues to wait.

Though Howard sits with an 'undistinguished' record of 9-1-0 {5 KO's},
he is a very capable > 6' 2 1/2" @ 205 lb. boxer-puncher.

Howard Smith >

"I have sparred with Earnie Shavers, Ken Norton, Jerry Quarry and Jimmy Ellis.
Those fellows know what I can do in the Ring. That's why they won't fight me
in a real bout."

---

GUYS LIKE sMITH were the unsung heroes of the 70s. The 2nd stringers, some would say. But those 70s "2nd stringers" would blow away the current crop of heavyweight morons @Max Power

Howard 'Kayo' Smith

Much like a 1967/1968 version of Jimmy Ellis.

A fast-handed and quick-moving 'boxer/puncher'.

Howard Smith - Boxer :D

And look who finally managed to topple the great Howard Smith again, in only the 2nd round. Whoever it was must have been A) THe hardest puncher of all time, and B) Someone who hasn't been the subject of enough threads around here recently.

Jesus christ :vd:

Tuesday ~ March 12, 1974

Metropolitan Gym ~ Tokyo, Japan

'California State Heavyweight Championship'

Howard 'Kayo' Smith ~ 9-1-0 {5 KO's} ~ 206 lb. ~ 6' 2 1/2"
vs.
'Irish' Tony Doyle ~ 40-13-1 {20 KO's} ~ 210 lbs. ~ 6' 4"
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

The California Athletic Commission 'approves' and sanctions this bout in
Tokyo, Japan for the State Heavyweight Championship.

The Japanese Promoters offer Howard Smith a {$3000 Fight Purse}, which
is the highest in his Professional career.

'Irish' Tony Doyle {Age; 29 years, 9 months} is from Salt Lake City, Utah
and will attempt to wrest the crown from Howard Smith {Age; 27 years, 2 months}.

This bout will be broadcast on Japanese Television.

Howard had been unable to secure a decent pay-day in California, and had to
to accept the bout, as he had been idle for 4-Months.

'Irish' Tony Doyle, a one-time Top 15 Contender and experienced veteran needs
a win to salvage his 'now' fading career.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

'The Bout'

Howard Smith take the initiative early, and scores with solid left-jabs mixed in
with quick 'left-right' combinations over the first 3-Rounds.

Tony Doyle makes it a fight in Round 4, and is able to land several long-range
left-jabs on Howard. Tony also lands a few good grazing right-hands, as he
takes advantage of his height and reach.

In Round 5, the action heats up at Center-Ring, and Howard Smith starts landing
heavy-blows to the body the have Doyle backing away.

Howard keeps the pressure on Doyle, and drives him into the Ropes where he
keeps pounding Tony's body.

In Round 6, Tony Doyle comes out looking worn. Howard goes back to the body,
and works over Tony as he backs him up into the Ropes and keeps him there.

At the {1:40 Mark}, Howard lands a solid 'left-right' to the body and then catches
Tony with a looping right-hand to the head. Tony slowly goes down to his right-knee
and takes a '7-Count'.

Tony rises and wants to continue. Howard moves in, and is all over Tony with a
barrage of punches. Howard sends in another hard-flurry, and Tony falls down on
his left-side, and is counted out at {2:12} of Round 6.

Friday ~ August 16, 1974

Coliseum ~ San Diego, California

Howard Smith ~ 16-1-0 {10 KO's} ~ 203 lbs. ~ {Age; 27 years, 7 months}
vs.
Jack O'Halloran ~ 34-20-4 {17 KO's} ~ 240 lbs. ~ {Age; 31 years, 4 months}
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This bout is 'not' for the California State Heavyweight Championship.

Howard Smith is now managed by Harry Kabakoff.

Harry now lists Howard Smith's record at 16-1-0 with {10 KO's}, and not
10-1-0 with {6 KO's}.

Somewhere over the past 5-Months, '6' more wins and '4' additional
Knockouts have been 'padded' to Smith's record.

Friday ~ August 16, 1974

The Coliseum ~ San Diego, California

~ Howard Smith Blasts Out 'Giant' Jack O'Halloran in Six ~

Howard Smith {203 lbs.} slammed 'The Giant' 6' 6" Jack O'Halloran {240 lbs.} around the Ring
for 5 Rounds, before putting him away in Round 6.

Smith took control from the Opening Bell, and used a variety of left-jabs and '3-Punch'
combinations to pummel the big slugger.

Smith took it to O'Halloran in Round 2, and banged the bigger fighter with several hard smashes
to the mouth, causing blood to flow.

Smith kept the pressure on O'Halloran in Rounds 3, 4 and 5 > and repeatedly backed him into
the Ropes where he tagged O'Halloran with hard-blows to both the head and body.

In Round 6, Smith staggered a 'battered' O'Halloran with a volley to the head, and then dropped
him with a hard right-hand to the body, and a follow up 'looping' overhand right to the jaw.

After O'Halloran rose, Smith drove the hurt fighter backwards and into the Ropes. Then Smith
unleashed another hard 'looping' overhand right to the head.

Jack fell flat on his back near the Ropes, and was counted out by Referee - Frank Rustich
at 2:20 of Round 6.

Howard Smith now claims a record of > 17-1-0 {11 KO's}.

Jack O'Halloran, who is now based out of Boston, Massachusetts stated that he would retire,
after taking such a bad beating.

November 6, 1974

~ California Champion Can't Get Anyone To Fight Him ~

Howard Smith, the 27 year-old California State Heavyweight Champion is still waiting
for anyone decent to fight him.

The smooth boxer/puncher who is now managed by - Harry Kabakoff claims a record
of 18-1-0 {11 KO's}.

Howard is scheduled to fight at 'The Olympic' on November 14th, as Fight Promoter
Don Chargin has promised Howard a slot on the fight card.

Howard Smith >

My biggest fight purse was $3000, and I had to go to Tokyo, Japan to get it. Nobody
here in California wants to fight me.

I challenged #5 Ranked - Henry Clark, but he won't come near me.

I challenged that big Argentinian - Pedro Lovell who's been campaigning here in California,
but his Manager wants to protect his 'once-beaten' record {18-1-0 with 14 KO's}.

I am willing to take on Ken Norton. That would make for a good Television Bout for sure.
But, he knows that I would be a nightmare for him.

Or #3 Ranked - Ron Lyle.

I fought Ron Lyle 'twice' in the Amateurs in 1970 at the Denver Prison. I went their with
the U.S. Army Boxing Team. Ron won a decision over me in our 1st-Bout. But I
flattened him {KO 2} in our 2nd bout.

I have already quit boxing '5-Times', because I couldn't get any fights, or I injured my
right-hand by breaking a bone. This is a rough business to make money in.

http://img2.newspapers.com/img/thumb....jpg?cs=604800

November 6, 1974

~ Seventh-Ranked Heavyweight Has Never Made More than $3000 ~

WBC Ratings

*** Muhammad Ali
#1 . George Foreman
#2 . Joe Frazier
#3 . Ron Lyle
#4 . Ken Norton
#5 . Henry Clark
#6 . Oscar Bonavena
#7 . Howard Smith
#8 . Joe Bugner
#9 . Chuck Wepner
#10 Pedro Osvaldo Lovell

http://img2.newspapers.com/img/thumb....jpg?cs=604800

Thursday ~ November 14, 1974

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angeles, California

Promoter; Don Chargin

"Main Event"

Howard Smith ~ 17-1-0 {11 KO's} ~ 204 1/4 lbs.
vs.
Reinaldo 'Raul' Gorisito ~ 19-5-1 {9 KO's} ~ 205 lbs.

Howard takes on New York-based Argentinian - 24 year-old - Reinaldo 'Raul' Gorisito.

The Argentinian is a tough-and-clever 6' 3" counter-puncher, and brings along a 'rock-jawed' chin,
as Reinaldo has never been floored in his 3+ year career.

Reinaldo is a last-minute add-on to the Fight Card, as he only had a 4-day notice.

Reinaldo claims record of 19-5-1 {9 KO's}.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The Bout"

No real problem here for Howard 'Kayo' Smith, as the fast-handed Californian scored with repeated
left-jabs on Reinaldo 'Raul' Gorisitio during Rounds 1 thru 4.

Howard lands several good right-hands to the body during the middle-Rounds, as he keeps Gorisito on
the defensive.

Though Howard is the aggressor and effective puncher, Gorisito is too clever to get caught with any
damaging blows, and he does land an occasional crisp counter-punch.

Reinaldo makes a 'short-charge' during Rounds 7 and 9, but he cannot mount a sustained attack,
or do any damage to Howard.

In Round 10, Howard goes back to whipping in left-jabs and occasional right-hand leads to win the
bout going away.

Scorecards
> 9-1 / 7-1 / 7-1

March 1975

WBC Ratings

*** Muhammad Ali
#1 . George Foreman
#2 . Joe Frazier
#3 . Joe Bugner
#4 . Oscar Bonavena
#5 . Ken Norton
#6 . Howard Smith
#7 . Ron Lyle
#8 . Jerry Quarry
#9 . Henry Clark
#10 Jimmy Young

Howard Smith was again 'avoided'. There was a potential bout in Honolulu, Hawaii
for February, but it did not happen.

Thursday ~ May 8, 1975

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angeles, California

'Claimed Records'

Howard Smith ~ 20-1-0 {15 KO's}
vs.
Larry Middleton ~ 23-4-1 {15 KO's}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Howard Smith , the #6 WBC Heavyweight is to take on Baltimore's Larry Middleton.

The 32 1/2 year-old 6' 5" Baltimore Heavyweight is no easy mark, as he has a snappy
left-jab, to go along with a hard-sneaky right-cross. Larry is regarded as a dangerous
veteran, and with his long-lanky frame and extended reach, he can give trouble to any
Heavyweight trouble.

Larry was supposed to take on the big Argentinian - 'highy-touted' Pedro Osvaldo Lovell
here at the Anaheim Coliseum.

But Pedro 'pulled out' due to an ulcer.

Howard, who was available, decided to take this risky bout. Howard has been 'idle' again,
this time for 5 1/2 Months since his last bout {November 14, 1974}.

Larry Middleton has not been active himself. His last bout was nearly 1-year ago,
a 12-Round Decision loss to Oscar Bonavena on {May 21, 1974}.

Larry has gone 1-4-1 in his last 6-Bouts, and he is in a 'No-Lose' situation. Larry
has stated that he will 'Go For Broke' against Howard Smith.

The winner here, has been promised a bout with Ken Norton for July 1975.

Thursday ~ May 8, 1975

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angles, California

Attendance ........ { 2202 }
Gate Receipts ..... $4300

~ 'Red Hot' Howard Smith Does His Thing, Kayoes Larry Middleton In 5 ~

~ Small Turn-Out For Smith KO ~

Howard 'Kayo' Smith {199 lbs.} overcame a badly bruised right-hand, and KO'd veteran
Larry Middleton @ 2:58 of Round 5.

Smith didn't find it at all difficult to get past Larry Middleton {207 lbs.} and his long reach
during the 1st-Round, as he dropped Middleton with a 'hammering' right-hand to
the jaw.

The 32 year-old Baltimore Heavyweight came in with an advantage of 3" height
and 4" over the 27 year-old California Heavyweight, but he found himself on the
canvas after taking the '1st' real good right-hand punch from Smith at the {2:03 Mark}
as Middleton's left leg went numb on him, causing him to tumble down on his left side.

Middleton was up at the '4-Count', and was shaking his left-leg to get some feeling
back in it.

But, Howard Smith injured his right-hand in the process, and only used his right-hand
sparingly from that point on.

Still, Smith was able to 'stagger' Middleton in Round 2 and again in Round 3
with fast right-hand leads to the jaw, but again failed to follow up.

After taking Round 4 off {to rest his hand}, Smith looked to set up Middleton for
one right-hand punch, as a 'Go-for-Broke' punch.

In Round 5, Smith was able to walk through Middleton's spearing-jabs, and put
heavy-pressure on the Baltimore Heavyweight's body, as he worked in left-hands
to the mid-section.

At the {1:30 Mark}, Smith landed a grazing right-hand to the jaw that sent Middleton
skidding along the right-side Ropes. Smith moved in and resumed with left-hooks
into Middleton's body to bring his hands down.

Middleton was able to survive the next-minute by moving and grabbing.

Then at the {2:44 Mark}, Smith unloaded with 'jolting' left-hook that caught the
Baltimore Heavyweight flush on the chin.

Then Howard Smith stepped forward, and came over the top with a 'vicious' right-hand
to the jaw that dropped Middleton 'like-a-rock'.

The Referee counted out Larry Middleton @ 2:58 of Round 5.

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May 9, 1975

Manager - Harry Kabakoff now posted that his fighter Howard 'Kayo' Smith
had a record of 21-1-0 {16 KO's}, which included '18' straight wins.

They had accepted a 'paltry' fight purse of {25% of the Gate Receipts} to fight
Larry Middleton on only 8-Days notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Harry Kabakoff >

We only took this bout, because we were promised a bout with Ken Norton if we won.

We only had 8-Days notice for this bout, as we weren't even scheduled for a May 1975 bout.

We asked for a $2000 Fight Purse Guarantee, but they offered us 25% of the Gate
Receipts instead.

Also, Howard hasn't had any good offers in the past 5-Months, so we had to take what
they offered.

Look at what we did to Larry Middleton. Nobody was looking to fight him.
Just look at who he beat;
* Roy Williams
* Joe Bugner
* Danny McAlinden
* Bob Stallings
* Jack O'Halloran

He lost a close Decision to Jerry Quarry. And he got a raw deal' when he drew
with Jimmy Ellis.

He took Oscar Bonavena 12-Rounds, and nearly dropped Oscar 'twice'. And he
fought Ron Lyle 'twice' and gave him a Hell of a fight in their 2nd-Bout.

The only other guy to stop Middleton besides my guy, was Ron Lyle.

Now, we want Ken Norton. Or, the big Argentinian - Pedro Lovell.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Howard 'Kayo' Smith >

I bruised my right-hand in the 1st-Round when I dropped him. I could hardly use it
after that. So I had to set him up for 'one' right-hand punch.

I will probably need a month off to let my hand heal before I get back to training.

After my Manager's Fee, I'll walk out of here with $711.60. I guess I won't be quitting
my regular job as a Fork Lift Operator anytime soon.

May 9, 1975

Howard 'Kayo' Smith

A former Staff Sargeant in the United States Army.

"Some people tell me, you have to be a dog to be in this business. But that sort
of talk goes against my grain."

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/i...M6KP8TWC1fRMnQ

February 1, 1976

Howard Smith: World's Forgotten Heavyweight

Howard 'Kayo' Smith is ranked as the WBC #4 Heavyweight, yet nobody knows who
this Los Angeles, California Heavyweight is.

Howard {Age; 29 years old} has an impressive record of 21-1-0 {16 KO's}, and with
'18' straight victories.

Manager - Harry Kabakoff has had an unbelievable amount of difficulty getting bouts
for his World-Ranked Heavyweight.

To help with the bills, Harry has sold portions of Howard's contract to Television Actor
- Mike Connors, and Trumpeteer/Band Leader of 'The Tonight Show' Doc Severinsen.

Howard will now receive a $500 Monthly paycheck to help off-set his bills, while he waits
for a 'big money' fight.

Howard's day job is as a Fork-Lift Operator for the Clorox Corporation in Compton.

Howard gets up at 4:30 AM everyday to do his 6-Mile Roadwork, before heading to
the Gym for a 1-Hour workout session.

Then it's a shower and an 'on-the-run' Breakfast before getting to work at 7:30 AM.

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February 7, 1976

Howard 'Kayo' Smith

~ I Train Hard Everyday, And Look Forward To Nothing ~

It's quiet for the #4 World-Rated Heavyweight. There are no offers out there, and
my California State Heavyweight Title is worth nothing.

For Ring Work, I have been hired by Ken Norton. The sparring keeps me sharp and
on my toes.

I know that I'm good, because I can stay with Ken in the Ring. I can hit pretty good,
and I've never been hurt real bad. The only thing, is that I bruised my right-hand
pretty bad down there in San Diego {back in December 1975}, and it kept me off
a Fight Card.

I got ranked in the 'Top 10' 2-years ago, and I thought that it would get me some
decent money bouts. Instead, nothing. I'm now ranked as the #4 WBC Heavyweight,
yet I get stepped over all the time.

Look at who Muhammad Ali is defending against. Some guy from Belgium that nobody
has heard of {Jean-Pierre Coopman}. He was ranked #14 last month, and has dropped
'2' spots this month. And he gets a Championship bout, and with a $120,000 Fight Purse.

For me, my top fight purse was $3000, and I had to go to Japan to fight Tony Doyle
to get it.

I wish the Belgian guy well, but he didn't earn that fight because he was good. He
earned it, because he's 'easy'.

Thursday ~ April 8, 1976

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angeles, California

~ Howard Smith Back In Olympic Ring ~

Howard 'Kayo' Smith ~ 21-1-0 {16 KO's}
vs.
John 'Speedy' Jordan ~ 19-8-3 {10 KO's}

Howard Smith, the #4 WBC-ranked Heavyweight is back in the Ring after an extended
'11-Month' hiatus. His last bout was back on May 8, 1975 - when he 'clobbered'
Larry Middleton by a KO in 5.

John 'Speedy' Jordan {Norfolk, Virginia} has won 5-Straight in the Virginia small-club
fight circuit, and hopes to score an 'upset'.

~ Howard Smith And John Jordan Bout Ends By 'No-Decision' ~

The 10-Round Heavyweight bout between Howard 'Kayo' Smith and John 'Speedy' Jordan
ended by a No Decision in Round 4, as Smith landed an accidental low-blow into Jordan
at 1:44 of Round 4.

Smith {207 lbs.}, the California State Heavyweight Championship, boxed well over the
first 2-Rounds, as he slammed Jordan {196 lbs.} with jolting left-hands and an occasional
'2-Punch' combination.

In Round 3, Smith again controlled the action, and just past the mid-way point in the
session he started working Jordan's body.

But the 31 year-old Norfolk, Virginia Heavyweight hung tough, and made it a fight at
the {2:10 Mark} when he came back with some decent body punches of his own to back
the 29 year-old Smith off.

Both fighters got into a 'heated exchange' at the end of Round 3, as they traded heavy
hooks into each others body.

In Round 4, both fighters met at Center-Ring, and each continued with their body-attack.

But at the {0:40 Mark}, Howard drove Jordan backwards and into the Ropes, and started
to let his body-blows fly into the Virginia Heavyweight.

Smith went after Jordan's body with hard hooks into the mid-section and sides.

Then at the {1:00 Mark}, Smith let a right-hand stray 'too low', and Jordan 'dropped' to the
canvas in pain from the punch.

The Referee determined it was an 'accidental-blow', and permitted John Jordan a
2-Minute 'rest period'.

The Referee - Dick Young asked Jordan if he wanted to continue, and he said >
"Ill give it a try, but I'm hurting down there."

When the action resumed, the Virginia Heavyweight tried to fight on, but it was
obvious that Jordan was still hurting. Howard Smith 'pulled' his punches, and
backed off when Jordan was not fighting back.

The Referee - Dick Young then halted the action, and called the bout over at
{1:44} of Round 4.

Under California State Boxing Rules, the bout is ruled a 'No Decision'.

Howard Smith was ahead on all '3' Scorecards {3-0 / 3-0 / 3-0} at the time the bout
was ended by an 'accidental' low-bow.

Saturday ~ April 10, 1976

Howard 'Kayo' Smith

Howard Smith was back in the Ring on Thursday Night at the Olympic Auditorium
against Virginia Heavyweight - John 'Speedy' Jordan.

Unfortunately, the bout only went 4-Rounds, as Howard accidentally struck his opponent
John 'Speedy' Jordan low, and the bout was halted and ruled a 'No Decision'.

Howard, who is ranked as the #4 WBC Heavyweight was using the bout as a 'tune-up'
to sharpen his skills for a possible 'Television Bout' with Earnie Shavers in May or June 1976.

The 29 year-old Californian had been 'idle' for 11-months {since May 8, 1975} before
Thursday Night's bout.

Howard, who has been a sparring-partner for Top Contender - Ken Norton, is an always
ready fighter, and hopes things turn around in 1976, after a 'near quiet' 1975.



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Thursday ~ May 20, 1976

Howard Smith, the #4 WBC-Ranked Heavyweight signed to fight Atlanta, Georgia based
Heavyweight - Dan 'Ronnell' Johnson at the Olympic Auditorium next Thursday
on May 27th.

Howard Smith and Dan Johnson have fought before {3 1/2 years earlier}, back on
November 16, 1972 , where Howard won by a Knockout in Round 10 in a rather grueling bout.

If Howard Smith is impressive, he has a date lined up in New York against 'unbeaten'
Johnny Boudreaux, which will be on the undercard of the George Foreman vs. Joe Frazier
rematch.

Howard {Age; 29 years, 4 months} has a record of 21-1-0 {16 KO's}.

Dan Johnson {Age; 26 years, 7 months}, a hard right-hand puncher, has a record of
19-4-0 {17 KO's}, including '7' straight wins, with all coming by Knockout.

General Information

Howard 'Kayo' Smith

In 1968,

Howard was the Fifth Army Heavyweight Champion and was stationed in
Fort Carson, Colorado.

The Army Boxing Team visited the Canon City, Colorado Prison to face their
Boxing Team.

Howard {Age; 21} was pitted against the 'vicious punching' Ron Lyle, who was
a 27 year-old hardened Felon.

In their 1st-Bout, Ron Lyle used his strength to out-muscle the boxer Howard Smith
over 3-Rounds, as Lyle was awarded the Decision.

In their rematch, Howard got right on top of Ron, and never let him get off his
big punches. It was a one-sided bout, with Howard stopping Ron in Round 3.

Howard Smith >

"In our 1st-bout, I let Ron dictate the flow of the bout, and he out-muscled me. He
was very strong, but wasn't all that skilled at the time."

"In the rematch, I jumped all over him and kept punching. I really nailed him in
Round 2, and dropped him for a 3-Count. The Prison Inmates were in shock, as
nobody ever did that to Ron before."

"In Round 3, I smothered him with a barrage, because he really didn't know how to
roll with the punches or slide from the incoming right-hands. I had him out on his
feet and hanging over the Top Rope strand. The Referee jumped in and stopped it."

"After the bout, they handed me a big '3-Foot' Trophy for the 'Best Performance' at
the event."

"I told Ron that he was very good and had a hard punch. But he needed to work on
his speed, because he was kind of slow."

"He thanked me, and then told me that nobody ever hit him that hard before, even
with a Baseball Bat."

howard got a bum deal becaise ali was fighting ~bums~

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust

howard got a bum deal becaise ali was fighting ~bums~

---

Can you just imagine saying "Jean-Pierre Coopman" with a straight face.

Thursday ~ May 27, 1976

Olympic Auditorium ~ Los Angeles, California

Television Broadcast > Channel 13

Howard 'Kayo' Smith ~ 21-1-0 {16 KO's} ~ 203 lbs.
vs.
Dan 'Ronnell' Johnson ~ 19-4-0 {17 KO's} ~ 208 lbs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ World-Ranked Howard Smith Unimpressive In Win Over Dan Johnson ~

Howard Smith was lackluster and unimpressive thru the first 8-Rounds of his bout with
hard-punching Dan Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia.

Smith used an occasional left-jab, and a less frequent right-hand during a dull and
uneventful 8 Rounds. Only a minor flurry in Round 4, and a hard combination in
Round 6 was the most action dished out from the 'highly-regarded' California
Heavyweight.

During Rounds 7 and 8, a disinterested Smith moved back the Ropes, and let the
strong-punching Atlanta Heavyweight hit him with left-hooks and right-hands,
without offering a quality return punch.

But in Round 9, a re-charged Smith came out with a 'flash-bang', and hammered a
game Dan Johnson around the Ring. Smith poured it on, as he 'stunned' Johnson
several times with right-hand crosses.

With only {3 Seconds} left in the Round, Smith unloaded a vicious right-hand to the
head, dropping Johnson to the canvas.

As Referee - Dick Young tolled off the Count, Johnson rose and was 'saved-by-the-bell'.

Coming out for Round 10, a 'still groggy' but game Dan Johnson hustled out to Center-Ring
and tried to make a fight out of it.

Johnson started winging in wide-hooks, as Howard stayed outside and used measuring
left-jabs in an attempt to set up Johnson for a right-hand.

The action was 'even' for the first 50-Seconds. Then Johnson attempted a wide right-hook,
but Howard beat him to the punch and caught Johnson on the chin with a 'hard' right-cross
at the {1:02 Mark}.

Johnson was 'stunned'. Then Howard fired off a fast 'left-right-left', sending Johnson backwards
to the left-side Ropes.

With a 'stunned fighter' in front of him, Howard unleashed a tremendous overhand-right that
landed on Johnson's head, sending him crashing to the canvas.

Referee - Dick Young counted out Dan Johnson at 1:21 of Round 10.

everybody ducking Smith for the entire 70s. He coulda blew Jimmy Young and Ken Norton away. for starters.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust

everybody ducking Smith for the entire 70s. He coulda blew Jimmy Young and Ken Norton away. for starters.

---

Howard 'Kayo' Smith knew that 'styles' make fights.

* Howard would have out-boxed Jimmy Young. The same thing with 'slow-footed' Ron Lyle.

* Ken Norton would have been a more difficult task, but it would have been a close fight.

* Howard would have been 'too' quick for Muhammad Ali in 1976 and 1977.

* The only fighters that Howard was worried about > Earnie Shavers and George Foreman.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Howard Smith >

"With Earnie Shavers, you have to survive the first 3-Rounds. That's easier said than done.
He has so much power, that even his 'misses' hurt."

"George Foreman is the strongest man in Boxing. But he exhausts himself trying to kill you.
You have to box him, and stay away from him. You have to be patient, as the openings are
there. But you cannot make a 'single' mistake with him, or he'll take you out."