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

[Bill Paxtom]

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}
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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.