Book on Jeff 'Candy Slim' Merrritt

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday ~ July 14, 1976

"Jeff Merritt Tests His Old Skills In Sparring Session"

Jeff Merritt, the one-time 'Slim Bomber' tested his Ring skills today in a monitored sparring session
at Grossinger's Country Club with New York Heavyweight Bob Mashburn.

Merritt {Age; 29 years, 7 months} was last fighting in a Ring on March 4, 1974, and the boxing
scouts wanted to see how much Jeff had left in his powerful fists.

The 5-Round session was viewed by 60 on-lookers. They came away with 'mixed reviews'.

Jeff showed glimpses of his old power in Rounds 2 and 3, but his speed faded badly in Rounds
4 and 5. And sparring-partner Bob Mashburn was able to get through with some solid right-hands,
which jarred Jeff several times.

Jeff Merritt >

"I felt rusty in there, but I needed the work. Bob Mashburn was a good test to see where I'm at. He's
a tough sparring partner who can whack. He sure made me work, and he did nail me a few times."

Bobby Jacks {Trainer} >

"It was good to see Jeff in the Ring with a solid guy testing him. I rate Jeff's session at a {C+}, which
means he needs much more work. He showed 'some' flashes of his skills, but he was not consistent
enough. Plus he got arm-weary in Round 4."

"We have been offered a bout against Kevin Isaac for July 28th in Utica, New York. But I think we will pass
on that. Kevin is a good boxer/puncher, and Jeff is just not ready yet."

"We need another 3-Weeks, and then we'll go for a 'light' tune-up bout, maybe against Charlie Polite or
Rodell Dupree. Then we'll re-access Jeff's skill level."