Book on Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merrritt

[Bill Paxtom]

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.