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."

[Beanflicker]

Is there any footage of the guy?

[Bill Paxtom]

Is there any footage of the guy?

Bean-Man

Not on You Tube.

But there is film of several bouts;
> Charlie Harris............. April 11, 1969 ............. Madison Square Garden, New York
> Henry Clark I.............. August 18, 1969 ......... Madison Square Garden, New York
> Johnny Hudgins.......... March 31, 1970 .......... Auditorium, Miami Beach
> Eddie Vick.................. May 19, 1970 ............. Auditorium, Miami Beach
> Al Banks..................... July 26, 1971 ............. Astrodome, Houston
> Ernie Terrell............... September 10, 1973 .... Madison Square Garden, New York
> Ron Stander............... November 28, 1973 ..... Arena ~ Cleveland, Ohio
> Henry Clark II............ March 4, 1974 ............. Coliseum ~ Oakland, California
> Stan Ward................. August 14, 1976 .......... Utica, New York

Highlights of;
> Milton Torres............. June 24, 1968 ............. Madison Square Garden, New York
> Roy 'Tiger 'Williams.... March 3, 1969 ............. The Arena, Philadelphia

Sparring sessions with;
> Forest Ward............. September 1968 ........... New York City
> James McCarter........ September 1968 ........... New York City
> Chuck Wepner.......... September 1968 ........... New York City
> Muhammad Ali ......... June 1971 ................... Fifth Street Gym, Miami Beach
> Jimmy Ellis ............... April thru June 1971..... Fifth Street Gym, Miami Beach
> Jimmy Ellis................ July 1971..................... Houston
> Bob Mashburn .......... July 1976 .................... Grossinger's Country Club, New York

[Master]

I think he wants you to embed the links for him.

[Bill Paxtom]

I think he wants you to embed the links for him.

I have all the Film Footage.

Also,

Friday Afternoon ~ September 20, 1968 at Madison Square Garden

Jeff Merritt sparring with George Chuvalo on the roof top of the Madison Square Garden
Ticket Booth Marquee, in a specially set-up outdoor Ring.

A very 'frisky' sparring session, with the 'tall and lanky' 21 1/2 year-old Jeff Merritt giving the
'Canadian Strongman' fits for 3-Minutes in the opening session.

But, George came out by pounding away at Jeff's body in the 2nd session. Then somebody in
Jeff's corner called it off after about a minute-and-a-half.

[Master]

I think he wants you to embed the links for him.

I have all the Film Footage.

Also,

Friday Afternoon ~ September 20, 1968 at Madison Square Garden

Jeff Merritt sparring with George Chuvalo on the roof top of the Madison Square Garden
Ticket Booth Marquee, in a specially set-up outdoor Ring.

A very 'frisky' sparring session, with the 'tall and lanky' 21 1/2 year-old Jeff Merritt giving the
'Canadian Strongman' fits for 3-Minutes in the opening session.

But, George came out by pounding away at Jeff's body in the 2nd session. Then somebody in
Jeff's corner called it off after about a minute-and-a-half.

Put them on you tube or where someone can see them.

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ July 10, 1970

'Cassius Clay Expresses Disappointment In Cancellation'

Deposed Heavyweight Champion - Cassius Clay was scheduled to box a 6-Round Exhibition
at the Charleston Auditorium in Charleston, South Carolina on Thursday Night {July 9th}

Cassius Clay was 'originally' scheduled to face Miami Heavyweight - Jeff Merritt. Later, England
Heavyweight - Joe Bugner was also added to the event.

Film Crews were already setting up their equipment on Tuesday Night ~ July 7th. But on Wednesday
Afternoon, they were informed that the 'Event' was cancelled.

Seems that the Charleston County Council denied Cassius Clay permission to use the 4000 seat Auditorium.
A 'sell-out' was expected, and Cassius Clay was to receive an appearance fee of $2000, plus expenses for
travel, hotel, and associates.

Promoter - Reggie Barrett Jr. was also disappointed, as the Event was going generate money for
the Charleston Youth Boxing League. With expected Gate Receipts of $20,000.

Both Joe Bugner {a rising Heavyweight prospect from England} and future prospect Jeff Merritt
{from Miami Beach} each received partial payment {$750} for their services, though they did not spar
with Cassius.

To show good sportsmanship and good faith, both Joe Bugner and Jeff Merritt boxed an exhibition
at the Auditorium for the pre-purchased 1300 ticket buyers who still wanted to see a Boxing Event.

Local Television filmed the 5-Round sparring match, which was a surprisingly entertaining go, as
both young Heavyweights traded heavy blows.

Below, article from June 25, 1970.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...5JEgQ9gFgUSepQ

[Master]

Cassius was Muhammad by that time. Say his name!

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday ~ July 1, 1976

Jeff Merritt To Return

Jeff Merritt, just 4-Days out of Prison is set to return to boxing.

Jeff is definitely leaving Kansas City, Missouri and will return back to Cleveland or New York.

Jeff Merritt,

"I'm going back to Cleveland this weekend, as I have business there. Don King still owes me money, and I want it.
If he doesn't give it to me, then I'll shoot one of his 'prized' Black Angus Cows on his farm."

"Somebody already asked me if I would fight for Don King again. Absolutely not, never. I'm just going back there to
get my money, and to see if I could get some work as a sparring partner for Earnie Shavers."

"If that doesn't work out, I will go to New York. I have to get back into the Gym, and focus on keeping a positive attitude.
I have a friend there, who said he can get me work as a 'full-time' sparring-partner for a few guys. That's what I need
to get myself back in shape."

[Bill Paxtom]

Tuesday ~ July 6, 1976

"Jeff Merritt Back In New York, Looking For Work"

Jeff Merritt >

"I just went to Cleveland for 2-Days. I had to find Don King {my old Manager}, as he still owed me money.
I wanted to beat it out his Ass. He has owed me money since March 1974. I had to chase him for it for over
2-Years."

"When I was in the Missouri State Prison, I would call him once a week to ask for the money, He kept telling
me that he was going to send it to my Mom in Kansas City. She never got a penny. Only a 'Cheer Up' card in
the mail with an autographed photo of Don sitting in his office."

"Back in February 1974 - I signed a contract, where I was to get a $10,000 Fight Purse in my bout with Henry Clark.
The bout was set for March 4, 1974 -and I had to go out to Oakland, California. Bad Luck for me, as I got caught
'cold' by Henry, and he put me away in 47-Seconds."

"After the bout, we were in the Dressing Room of the Oakland Coliseum. We were all sad after I got KO'd in 1-Round.
We were all waiting for Don King to come back to the dressing room. He had to meet the Fight Promoter {Joe Gagliardi} to
get the Fight Purse check."

"Here is the what happened in the Dressing Room as Don King walked in."

Don King >... "Are you all right Jeff."
Me >............ "I'm fine, but my spirit is broken. I never got hit like that before. Never in 8-Years of Boxing was I ever hurt like that before."
Don King >... "We'll see if we can get you a rematch in 3-Months.
Me >............ "Man, I would like that. I'll even fight him {Henry Clark} for nothing if I have to."
Don King >... "You might have to, as I'm sure he'll want a bigger Fight Purse this time."

Don King >... "OK Jeff, here's your check {$2000}."
Me >............ "$2000. Hey, where's the rest of my money."
Don King >... "I'll pay you the rest when we get back to Cleveland."
Me >............. "Why can't I have it now. You just got the full check from the Fight Promoter {Joe Gaglardi}.
Don King >.... "I have to pay all the expenses first Jeff. I have to pay the '2' cornermen and the assistants. And I get my cut as well."
Me >............. "That's not part of the F***ing deal. I was to get a full $10,000 as a guarantee, plus all expenses were covered."
Don King >.... "Wait a minute Jeff.'
Me >............. "Don don't you F*** with me. I read the God*** contract. It was a $10,000 Fight Purse {guarantee}, plus all expenses {including; travel and hotel}.

"To make matters short, Don never paid me the other $8000 when we got back to Cleveland. He kept me hanging on, and would come up with a different excuse
every time I asked him for it. Oh, he would throw me a couple of $100 Bills every now and then, especially when I threatened to beat him up. But he never reached
$8000 by the time I left Cleveland at the September 1974."

"In the end, I figured I got maybe another $3000 from Don {between March thru September of 1974}. He still owed me $5000 when I left."

[Master]

Don was a crook and he should have shot him.

[Bill Paxtom]

Don was a crook and he should have shot him.

True Story

According to Larry Holmes,

Jeff Merritt had a 12 Gauge Shotgun and was heading out to Don King's Cattle Farm in the outer
suburbs of Cleveland.

Jeff couldn't track down Don, so he headed out to his Cattle Farm.

Jeff was going to shoot Don's prized bull in the head, and then slice off his 'Balls' and mail them to Don.

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ July 10, 1976

'Jeff Merritt Scouts New York For A Bout'

Jeff Merritt was trying to get a 'quick money bout', on the Monday - July 26th Fight Card at the Felt Forum.

Jeff got in touch with Teddy Brenner {Madison Garden 'Matchmaker'}, and asked him if he coukld get a bout on
the Fight Card.

But Teddy Brenner was unsure if Jeff could get ready in just 2-Weeks {after being out of the Ring for so long},
even if it was against a 'C-Level' opponent.

Also during this time, Jeff hooked up with his old friend and Boxing Trainer - Bobby Jacks. Bobby had known Jeff
since {1968} when Jeff first came to New York.

Bobby had a Boxing Gym in upstate New York {Saugerties}. Bobby talked to Jeff about helping in his comeback,
and then invited Jeff to move up to Saugerties. Bobby offered to train Jeff at his gym "Bobby's Place".

Within a few days, Bobby got Jeff a small apartment near the Gym. Jeff was to work out at the Gym '3' times a day,
in an effort to get back in shape.

[Xwetie]

Did you copy all this or did you write it? Either way it was a nice reading!