Book on Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merrritt

[Bill Paxtom]

Sunday ~ February 17, 1974

Jeff Merritt was in Cleveland, Ohio preparing for his up coming bout with Henry Clark
set for March 4th.

Henry Clark was down in Houston, Texas - helping George Foreman prepare for his
Heavyweight Championship Title defense against Ken Norton.

The 'verbal sparring' started, as Jeff Merritt promised to lay-out Henry within 3-Rounds.

Jeff Merritt >
"I'll put Henry away, and retire him. He's got nothing in his repertoire to hold me back. I might
just send him floating on his back in the San Francisco Bay."

Henry, said he respected Jeff's power, but stated that Jeff Merritt was not in George Foreman's
league in strength or power.

Henry Clark >
"If I can take George's punches, then I have no fear of Jeff's punches. He''s dreaming if he thinks
he hits as hard as George."