Muhammad Ali vs. Mike Schutte ~ Proposed as 'The Singapore Sling'

[Bill Paxtom]

December 14, 1976

Muhammad Ali is slated to defend his World Championship against South African Heavyweight - Mike 'The Tank' Schutte.

Fight contracts have already been signed, and a proposed date has been slated for March 1976.

The bout is to be held in Singapore, and the Ali Camp has stated that a 'secret' Indonesian Promoter has put up
$5,000,000 as the fight purse.

The Fight Promoters have already printed up literature, and have labeled the bout as > "The Singapore Sling"

Muhammad Ali has also signed contracts to defend against >
* Duane Bobick........ Slated for February 1977
* Earnie Shavers...... Slated for March 1977

From his home in Louisville, Muhammad Ali stated that it was 'defintely' going to be Mike Schutte next.
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Mike 'The Tank' Schutte, the #2 South African Heavyweight behind Gerrie Coetzee, is also ranked as the
#10 WBA Heavyweight.

The 26 year-old South African is a 6' 0" 260 lb. burtly sort who resembles a 'bar-bouncer', who carries a big punch
along with a rough-house brawling style.

Mike has a record of 33-6-1 with {25 KO's}, and has won 15-of-16 over the past 20-Months, losing only to
Gerrie Coetzee by Disqualification {L Disq. 6} on August 16, 1976 in his only set-back

In his most recent performance {October 5, 1976}, Mike won a 'solid' 10-Round Decision over Rodney Bobick, who is
also Muhammad Ali's sparring-partner.

Schutte, a 5 1/2 year Professional won the South African Heavyweight Title back on September 13, 1975 when he
defeated {W Dec 12} Jimmy Richards.

Schuttle then lost the Title to Gerrie Coetzee on August 16, 1976.

Mike also has quality wins over >
* July 9, 1976 .......... W Dec 10 .... Guiseppe 'Bepi' Ros
* May 22, 1976 ......... KO 3 ........... Rudi Lubbers
* May 4, 1976 ........... KO 3 .......... Terry Hinke
* March 15, 1976 ...... KO 4 .......... 'Irish' Pat Duncan
* January 26, 1976 ... TKO 7 ......... Jose 'King' Roman