Sunday ~ July 17, 1976

'Jeff Merritt Gets Offer To Fight"

Just a couple of days after his 'open session' sparring session with Bob Mashburn at
Grossinger's Country Club in Liberty, New York - Jeff got a call from old Manager - Don King
who offered his old fighter a 'slot' on the August 14, 1976 Fight Card in Utica, New York
at the Memorial Auditorium.

The Main Event was George Foreman vs. Scott LeDoux. And the bout was to be televised
by CBS-TV.

Don King offered Jeff a bout with Stan Ward, a young bruiser Heavyweight from California.

Bobby Jacks {Jeff's Manager} was reluctant at first, but the $10,000 {Fight Purse} was too good
to turn down.

Bobby Jacks >

"We know it's a risk. I would prefer for Jeff to have '2' Tune-up bouts first, or at least one good
tune-up bout to get his legs back under him."

"This guy Stan Ward only has a few bouts on his record, but he has a ton of amateur experience.
He's big and strong {6' 2" and 230 lbs.}, and he just beat Mac Foster pretty easily."

"They sent me a couple of Tapes {stock film footage} of Stan Ward. I'll view them and see how
we can prepare. We've got 4-Weeks to get ready, and Jeff will need everyday."