Book on Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merrritt

[Bill Paxtom]

March 6, 1975

Newspaper Headlines

'BOXING CAREER BEGAN IN PRISON...... AND IT MAY END THERE'

'BOXING CAREER ENDS AT MISSORI STATE PRISON'

'PRISON SENTENCE RETIRES HOPE FOR BOXING CAREER'

Heavyweight Boxer ~ Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merritt sits in a Jackson County Jail in Kansas City, Missouri
and may end back up in the Missouri State Prison in Jefferson City where it all began.

Just 1-year ago, Jeff was ranked as the #5 WBA and #6 Ring Magazine Heavyweight, and was
mentioned as a future Heavyweight Champion for 1974 or 1975.

Jeff rose from despair in December 1967 {Paroled from the Missouri State Prison}, to become one of the most
talked about 'future stars' for the Heavyweight Division.

As early as August 1969, Jeff was riding high, following an impressive 8-Round Decision over Top 20 Heavyweight
Henry Clark at Madison Square Garden. Jeff's management had big plans, with bouts lined up against
former 2-Time Heavyweight Champion - Floyd Patterson {for October 1969}, and then Canadian Champion -
George Chuvalo for {January 1970}, and then to go after WBA Champion Jimmy Ellis.

But a string of bad-luck followed;
* Broken bone in his right-hand
* Back injuries
* Change in management
* Cancelled bots
* Continued run-ins with the law

As of right now, the 28 year-old Heavyweight {who is originally from Kansas City, Missouri} has a boxing record of 23-2-0 {18 KO's},
and is still rated in the Top 20 by Ring Magazine {#19} in the Heavyweight Division. But Jeff has not been in the 'Ring' in 1-Year,
{sine March 4, 1974}, and the future does not look promising. Jeff still has the talent to make it to the top, but a return to Prison will
undoubtedly end his hopes and dreams.

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