Smokin' Joe Frazier ~ 'Scheduled Bouts That We Missed Out On'

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ June 2, 1979

Promoter - Bob Arum wanted Smokin' Joe Frazier to come out of retirement and take on
South Africa Heavyweight - 'Jumbo' Jimmy Abbott.

The 10-Round bout was to be on the undercard of the Kallie Knoetze vs. John Tate
'WBA Elimination Bout' held at Independence Stadium in Mmabatho, South Africa.

Bob Arum had put this deal on the table to Smokin' Joe in April of 1979.

Joe Frazier {Age; 35 years, 3 months} said that he would need 6-to-7 Weeks to prepare.

At the time, 'Jumbo' Jimmy Abbott {Age; 19 years, 11 months} had a record of 10-0-0 {8 KO's}
and was ranked as the #17 WBA Heavyweight. They were looking for a 'name' to post on
his just starting ledger.

I believe Joe Frazier was offered $200,000 plus expenses, and an Advertising Deal worth an
additional $50,000.

'Jumbo' Jimmy Abbott {6' 5" and 250 lbs.} was a South African Mammoth-Beast with a tremendous
right-hand.

It Would Have Been Interesting ......