Earnie Shavers vs. Howard Smith ~ 'Championship Qualifier' - Winner Gets Muhammad Ali

[Bill Paxtom]

Excellent Post Triple 'B'

Earnie was 'primed' and tuned up for this bout at The Aladdin.

Earnie {Age; 31 years, 8 months} was ranked as the #6 Heavyweight,
opened up on the board as a 'slight' {7-5} Betting Favorite here.

Earnie was inked for a $75,000 Fight Purse.

Howard Smith, who was ranked as the #7 Heavyweight signed for a
$50,000 Fight Purse.
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Earnie Shavers >

"Howard is a good boxer, no doubt. I boxed him back in May 1974 in San Jose,
California when I was out there for a bout. He was the only guy who could stand
up to me at the Gym."

"My plan is simple, to pressure him with body punches, and to slow him down.
He's fast in there, and I've got to take away his speed."