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

[Bill Paxtom]

Manager - Bob Biron

This is great opportunity for Howard. He's getting $50,000 for this bout.

We have big plans for Howard after this. We have a potential $250,000
pay-day to take on Muhammad Ali after he dispose's of Earnie.

We're ranked #7, and after Saturday, we will be looking for a Championship
bout.

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ April 16, 1977

The Aladdin ~ Las Vegas, Nevada

Attendance ... { 1530 }
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"Shavers Unleashes Power, Stops Smith In 2"

~ Hard-Hitting Shavers Eyes Big-Name Foe's ~

For the first-half of Round 1, California's Howard Smith did what he said he would
do. Jab, and move away from 'bald-headed bomber' Earnie Shavers.

The 30 year-old West-Coast boxer jabbed, and moved smoothly around the outer
perimeter of the Ring.

But, just past the mid-way point in the session, Shavers {209 lbs.} unleashed a
crisp right-cross to the chin of Smith {202 lbs.}.

Immediately, Smith looked 'stunned' as he backed up.

From there, Earnie {Age; 31 1/2} moved quickly, and picked his shots as Smith
wobbled after each hard-punch.

Then, Shavers assaulted Smith mercilessly with vicious 'lefts-and-rights' as he battered
the California boxer into the Ropes.

With the badly dazed Smith near defenseless, Referee - Richard Green jumped in and
pushed Earnie away, as he issued Smith a 'standing 8-Count'.

The action resumed, and Shavers came in with bombs. Smith teetered after absorbing
the first barrage from Earnie.

Again, Referee - Richard Green jumped in and issued another 'standing 8-Count'
as Smith fell down on his 'haunches'.

After the 'count', the Referee waved Earnie in.

Shavers continued to dish out punishment as Smith was reeling along the Ropes. Then
just before the Bell, Smith was toppled to the canvas.

But, Smith got up, and made it back to his Corner.

Coming out for Round 2, Smith offered up only weak punches as he did his best to
avoid getting tagged by the pressing Shavers.

But Earnie waited, and looked to pick his opening.

Then at the {2:06 Mark} it came. Earnie slung a 'vicious' right-cross to Smith's face,
and the California boxer fell back into the Ropes, then fell face first into the canvas.

Referee - Richard Green counted out Howard Smith @ 2:18 of Round 2.