Book on Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merrritt

[Bill Paxtom]

June 1975

The Kansas City Times

Staff Reporter; Ken Hentgen

'Jeff Merritt To Right His Wrong Ways'

Former World Ranked Heavyweight - Jeff Merrit may soon get a 'special release' from the Missouri State Prison.

After 11-Months behind bars at the Jefferson City facility, Jeff may get his release at the end of this month {June 1976}.

Jeff Merritt,

"I've been clean for 11-Months. No more Drugs. I'm a new man now, and I am no longer 'Candy Slim'. Now just call me plain old 'Jeff'.
I want to fight again. As soon as I get out, I'm heading right into a Boxing Gym to work out. I've got to be in control and stay right.
I'll need about 4-Weeks to get ready for a bout. I'll take on a few 'soft' opponents at first to see where I'm at. Then I'll evaluate my
performances before I take the next step. I'm not going to rush into anything. This could be my last chance."

"I'm still a young man {Age; 28 years, 5 months}. I'm not beat up, and have a lot left to give. I've already talked to a 'promoter' in
Orlando, Florida. He said he would get me a 'few' tune-up bouts at first, to build up my name and get me some 'press' in the newspapers."

"That's the plan for Phase I."

[Bill Paxtom]

Sunday ~ June 27, 1976

Jeff Merritt Released From Prison

Heavyweight Boxer claims to be a 'new man'. Vows to focus 100% on being clean, and with plans to
return to boxing.

Nearly 50 of Jeff's family and friends greeted him at the Gate of the State Prison in Jefferson City,
Missouri when he walked out on Saturday Morning {June 26, 1976}.

Jeff Merritt,

"I never want to see this place again. No more Drugs or Bad Thoughts. This last visit cost me
11-Months of my life. I have no one to blame other than myself. I was a bad person. Now I'm
clean, and a new man. No more 'Candy Slim', as he has been put away. Now it's just plain Jeff."

"First thing I want to do is thank all of the people who have stood behind me. My family and friends.
Now I want to make them proud. I want to get back into shape, and return to boxing. I plan
on stepping back into the Ring for a Professional Bout by August {5-Weeks}."

"I have already talked to '3' Fight Promoters. One in {Orlando, Florida}, one in {New York} and
one in {Nassau, Bahamas}. I'm listening to each deal to see which one would be the best for me."