Howard 'Kayo' Smith ~ "Good Fighter - Bad Breaks"

[Bill Paxtom]

Howard Smith vs. Henry Clark

In Round 3 >

Henry Clark again charged out his corner, and went back to smothering Smith
with his size. Clark continued with slapping-type punches, but though he was
out-punching Smith, he wasn't doing any real damage to Howard.

Turning point {1:40 Mark} >

Howard changed-the-flow of the bout, when he dug in and fired a 'wicked' right-hand
into Clarks' face. Henry immediately backed off, and moved across the Ring, as he
was stunned.

Howard moved in, and worked over Henry with 'left-right' combinations, as Clark
was kept on the defensive and covering up along the Ropes.

In Rounds 4, 5 and 6 > it was more of the same, as Howard used fast '2-Punch'
combinations mixed in with double left-jabs to Clarks' mid-section.

Henry was now a completely different fighter, as he was forced backwards during
each exchange.

And when Henry was on the Ropes, Howard would unload 'heavy' right-hands into
the left-side of Clark's body.

In Round 7 > Howard poured it on, as he raked Clark over with a variety of sharp
punches to the face. By Rounds end, Clark looked worn down and had little left in
offense.

In Round 8 > Henry made a last-gasp to get back into the fight, and tried to unload
a few heavy punches on Smith. But by the {1:30 Mark}, Clark had nothing on his
punches, as Smith stayed on the perimeter and cruised for rest of the Round, while
resting and taking a break.

In Round 9 > it was all Howard Smith, as he landed 'thudding' body-punches into Clark
who was now nothing more than a 236 lb. punching-bag. Howard shook Clark late in
the Round with a 'left-right' to the chin, and slammed in an overhand-right to the head
at the {2:40 Mark} which buckled Henry's legs.

Only Henry's 'granite chin' prevented him from going down, as Smith 'unleashed' a
barrage of right-hands into Henry's head over the last 20-Seconds as Henry leaned
with his back on the Ropes.

In Round 10 > Smith continued with 'rapid-fire' punches, and pounded Clark into
the Ropes. Smith kept working Clark over with 'left-right' one-two punches as the
'veteran' was doing little other than tossing out an occasional weak punch.

~ Howard Smith Pounds Out Decision Over Henry Clark ~

Scorecards
* 47-44 {Howard Smith}
* 47-44 {Howard Smith}
* 47-43 {Howard Smith}

* Associated Press > 46-43 {7-3-0 in Rounds} for Howard Smith.
Note; Henry Clark won Round 1 {5-3}, after scoring a Knockdown.

[Bill Paxtom]

January 25, 1977

Howard 'Kayo' Smith

I felt that it was a good win over Henry Clark. We kind of got messed up when the original Referee {Ferd Hernandez}
had a seizure, and I had to sit around for 15-Minutes to wait for Emergency Medical Team to tend to Mr. Hernandez.

When we re-started, I was cold. At the 'new start' when the Bell rang, Henry rushed me, and caught me off-guard,
and he stunned me right away. I tried to counter him, but he timed my punch and nailed me with a good right-hand
on the 'chops'.

I went down, and found myself on the canvas after only '28-Seconds'. But I was up right away. Yea, it was a
'flash-knockdown', but I wasn't hurt, just a little shaken I guess.

It took me 2 1/2 Rounds to get warmed up, but I really took it to Henry at the end of Round 3. I nailed him with a
big right-hand and I hurt him. That was it, and I knew that I had him.

I beat him up pretty good after that, and won the last 7-Rounds, and I won going away.

CBS-TV paid me a Fight Purse of $40,000 - and it was the largest pay-check that I have ever received.

When Henry came in at 236 lbs., I knew that he wasn't in the best of shape. He usually fights at 220 lbs.
I figured that he would use his size early, to try and wear me down. He knew that he couldn't out-box me.

He's a smart boxer, but for his size he doesn't punch all that hard. I took everything out him during the
middle-Rounds, and I put a hurting in him in Round 7. There was never a doubt that I would win fairly
easy.

[Bill Paxtom]

February 4, 1977

Ring Magazine

*** Muhammad Ali
#1 . George Foreman
#2 . Ken Norton
#3 . Jimmy Young
#4 . Duane Bobick
#5 . Ron Lyle
#6 . Larry Holmes
#7 . Howard Smith
#8 . Johnny Boudreaux
#9 . Stan Ward
#10 Joe Bugner

Boxing Scene

Howard Smith was on the 'outside looking in', as he was left out of the Don King ABC-TV 'United States Boxing Championships'
which started in January 1977.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

World Champion ~ Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, who had last fought on September 26, 1976 {4-Months earlier} where he got a 'gift' 15-Round Decision
over Ken Norton was 'playing games'.

In October 1976, Muhammad Ali signed a contract to defend against Duane Bobick. But the aging Champion claimed that
he didn't understand the contract that he signed, and pulled out claiming ignorance.

Then Muhammad stated that he would next defend his title against the 'soft-punching/soft-chinned' Italian - Lorenzo Zanon.
But the financing never developed, and the bout was canned.

Then, Muhammad said that he would defend against South African - Mike Schutte, if the South African defeated
the near 38 year-old veteran Chuck Wepner on February 19th. Muhammad stated that he got an offer to go to
Singapore for a $5,000,000 fight purse, and defend the title there in April 1977.

Mike Schutte did beat Chuck Wepner, but the Championship Bout in Singapore never developed.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

George Foreman ~ #1 Ranked

Record ....... 45-1-0 {42 KO's} ..... Age; 28 years, 1 month

George Foreman had an excellent comeback year in 1976, with '4' impressive Knockouts.
* January 24th ......... KO 5 over Ron Lyle
* June 15th ............. TKO 5 over Joe Frazier
* August 14th .......... TKO 3 over Scott Ledoux
* October 15th ........ TKO 4 over John Dino Denis

On August 17th George had signed to fight Howard Smith on September 17th. But George pulled out, and signed
to fight John Dino Denis at a later date instead.

One-month later on October 15th, George was impressive again as he stopped {TKO 5} 'unbeaten' John Dino Denis.
George registered his 4th-Straight Knockout win.

Then it was thought, that George would fight Howard Smith in December or January. But again George pulled out, and had
his sparring-partner Henry Clark fill in.

Instead, George fought Pedro Agosto on January 22nd, and scored a one-sided TKO 4 in an easy tune-up.

Now, George was waiting for a possible bout with Muhammad Ali in April 1977.

But, in the meantime, George agreed to fight 'Little' Jimmy Young on March 17th and in Puerto Rico as a final tune-up.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ken Norton ~ #2

Kenny was still 'reeling' following the 'heart-breaking' 15-Round Decision loss to Muhammad Ali on September 26th,
in a bout that Kenny had in his pocket, only to hear '3' Scoring Officals steal the Championship from him.

Kenny was now labeled as the 'Uncrowned Champion'.

But, Kenny had been 'idle' since that bout {4-Months}, and was desperately trying to get a 4th-Bout with Muhammad Ali.

There was 'chatter' that Kenny would fight Duane Bobick in an 'Elimination Bout', with the winner to get Muhammad Ali next.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jimmy Young ~ #3

Jimmy burst open on the scene when he 'embarrassed' Muhammad Ali over 15-Rounds on April 30, 1976 for the
World Championship. In that bout, 90% of the viewers felt that Jimmy won, only to hear '3 Blind Mice' score the
bout for the 'bloated' Muhammad Ali.

Jimmy asked for a 'immediate rematch', but did not get it.

Instead, Jimmy sat around for 4+ Months waiting for a bout. Then, Jimmy had '2' easy tune-ups in September.
* September 2nd ........ TKO 2 over Lou Rogan
* September 11th ....... TKO 4 over Mike Boswell

Jimmy was then 'signed' to fight Howard Smith on October 30th. But, Jimmy pulled out to take a more lucrative
bout against Ron Lyle for November 6th. And then, Jimmy won an easy 12-Round Decision over Ron Lyle.

Now, Jimmy was idle for 3-Months while waiting for the 'right' bout. Jimmy then signed to fight George Foreman
on March 17th.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Duane Bobick ~ #4

Despite Duane Bobick's record of 38-0-0 {32 KO's}, the jury was still out on the 26 1/2 year-old Heavyweight.

Duane was busy during 1976, with '5' wins;
* February 6th........... W Dec 10 over Larry Middleton
* April 22nd............... W Dec 10 over Scott LeDoux
* May 24th................ TKO 8 over Bunny Johnson
* October 2nd............ TKO 6 over Chuck Wepner
* October 30th........... W Dec 10 over Fred Houpe

Though they were technically good wins, Duane was overly impressive.

In October 1976, Duane signed to challenge Muhammad Ali for the World Championship, with a tentative date set
for January 1977 at Madison Square Garden. But, Muhammad Ali used 'ignorance' to get out of the fight contract.

Idle for 3-Months, the chatter was now that Duane would fight Ken Norton in an 'Elimination Bout'.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ron Lyle ~ #5

Ron was involved in the 'Fight of the Year' with George Foreman back on January 24, 1976, and lost by a KO 5.
But, in that bout, Ron dropped George 'twice' and nearly stopped George in the process, before getting exhausted
and Knocked Out.

After that loss, Ron took {7+ Months} off, before coming back on September 11th to stop 'rising' Kevin Isaac by
a TKO 7.

Then, in an 'all-important' bout with Jimmy Young on November 6th, Ron was handily out-boxed by Jimmy, and
lost a one-sided 12-Round Decision.

In December 1976, Ron was offered a Television Bout with Howard Smith for January 1977, but Ron 'opted out'
feeling that another loss would damage his career.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Larry Holmes ~ #6

Larry was undefeated at 23-0-0 {16 KO's}, but was also flying under the 'radar', and getting little attention.

Larry had scored his biggest win of his career back on April 30, 1976 when he defeated the dangerous
Roy 'Tiger' Williams by a 10-Round Decision. But, Larry broke his right-hand in the process, and was laid up
for 6-Months.

When he was healed in late-October 1976, there were 'no' decent bouts available. Supposedly, Larry's
Manager {Richie Giachetti} turned down a rematch with Roy 'Tiger' Williams with an 'open date' set for
December 11th.

Luckily for Larry, Don King set up the United States Boxing Championship with ABC-TV, and Larry was slotted
into the Tournament, and set for a January 16, 1977 bout with 'tough' Tom Prater.

Larry, who had been out for {8 1/2 Months} won an 8-Round Decision over Tom Prater, but Larry struggled
mightily in the bout, but did win a 'close' Decision.

Larry was now advancing to the Semi-Finals of the Tournament, and would face the winner of the
Stan Ward vs. Kevin Isaac 8-Round 'Quarter-Finals' bout.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Howard Smith ~ #7

Howard, who now as ranked #& Ring Magazine and #4 WBC, was riding an impressive record of 24-1-0 {17 KO's},
but was still somewhat of unknown.

The 30 year-old California Heavyweight had changed Managers. Howard dumped Harry Kabakoff in favor
of Bob Biron, who was also the Manager for Ken Norton.

Howard had scored a big win on June 16, 1976 - when he defeated 'unbeaten' and #8 WBA-Ranked - Johnny Boudreaux
by a 10-Round Split-Decision.

Howard was then signed to face George Foreman on September 17th, but George pulled out. Then Howard was slated
to face Jimmy Young on October 30th, but that bout was scrubbed as well.

End of the 1976 year bouts with; Kevin Isaac, Jody Ballard and a 'rematch' with Johnny Boudreaux were planned, but
all of those bouts fell through.

Another date was set for George Foreman, as well as a bout with Ron Lyle. But both of those fighters changed
their minds about facing Howard.

In the interim, Howard fought 'replacement fighter' Henry Clark on January 15th. Howard was floored for a
'flash-knockdown' in Round 1, but got up and pounded out an impressive 10-Round Decision over the veteran.

Now Howard was waiting for a 'high-ticket' bout.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johnny Boudreaux ~ #8

The 24 1/2 year-old Houston Heavyweight had a 'skarp-looking' record of 19-1-1 {7 KO's}.

Johnny was a fast-handed boxer, but he had little punch. Johnny was 'well-protected' and was being built up
by the team of Paddy Flood and Al Braverman.

Johnny had last fought on June 15, 1976 - where he lost a 10-Round Split-Decision to Howard Smith.

The Boudreaux Camp was very cautious with Johnny, and had turned down a 'rematch' with Howard Smith
for October 2nd.

They also turned down a bout with 'streaking veteran' New York's - Bob Stallings

Johnny has been idle since that loss {7 1/2 Months}, but will return on February 17th to face Scott LeDoux in
the Quarter-Finals of the United States Boxing Tournament.

[Bill Paxtom]

Howard 'Kayo' Smith

According to 'former' manager - Harry Kabakoff

The following bouts {wins} were not logged on Howard's record earlier in his career.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 17, 1971 ~ Civic Auditorium ~ Santa Monica, California

Howard Smith > 1-0-0 {1 KO's} ~ 198 lbs.
vs.
Evilio 'El Martillo' Guttierez > 6-0-0 {3 KO's} ~ 188 lbs.

Howard took on 'highly-regarded' {5' 10" power-pack} 21 year-old Evilio Guittierez of Baja California.

Howard using a 5" Height and 6" Reach advantage, dropped Evilio early in Round 2, and then battered
the over-matched prospect, forcing the Referee to stop bout @ 2:44 of Round 2.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

September 18, 1971 ~ Devonshire Downs ~ Northridge, California

Howard Smith > 3-0-0 {3 KO's} ~ 199 lbs.
vs.
Bill 'The Bomber' Carter > 1-1-0 {1 KO} ~ 203 lbs.

Howard had little trouble with Carter. Howard dropped the San Diego Heavyweight 'once' in Round 1,
and 'twice' in Round 2. The Knockout came @ 2:02.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 25, 1972 ~ Long Beach, Auditorium ~ Bakersfield, California

Howard Smith > 5-1-0 {5 KO's} ~ 200 lbs.
vs.
John 'Mack Attack' McGauhey ~ 4-1-0 {2 KO's} ~ 206 lbs.

Howard is coming off his '1st-Loss', and tough 6-Round Decision to highly-regarded Henry Culpepper
on January 13, 1972 at the Olympic Auditorium.

Howard takes on John McGauhey, a big-swinging Heavyweight from Hidden Hills, California.

Howard moves quickly after the 'Opening Bell', and meets Mcgauhey at Center-Ring. Both start
winging, but Howard lands the 'big one' first and drops McGauhey, where he's counted out
@ 0:51 of Round 1.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 12, 1972 ~ Coliseum ~ San Diego, California

Howard Smith ~ 6-1-0 {6 KO's} ~ 201 lbs.
vs.
Fred 'Mr. Slick' Everett ~ 5-1-0 {1 KO} ~ 190 lbs.

Howard takes on Fred Everett, a lanky 6' 3' 190 lb. fast-handed mover/boxer from San Diego.

Fred, like Howard, has suffered his only loss to Henry Culpepper by a 6-Round Decision.

At the Bell, Howard stalks the fleet-footed mover. Thru the first 3-Rounds, Howard has chased
Fred all over the Ring.

In Round 4, Howard finally traps Fred along the Ropes and hammers him with a barrage. Fred
goes down, and takes a '7-Count'.

Fred barely escapes Round 4.

In Round 5, Howard is out to end matters, and slams Fred to the canvas 'twice' more. The Referee
halts the one-sided bout @ 1:21 of Round 5.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Following this victory, Howard was now 7-1-0 with {7 KO's}, but he injured {bruised} his right-hand
in the process.

Howard Smith was then 'idle' for 5-Months, to allow for his right-hand to heal.

Howard returned on September 14, 1972 > to take on Mike Weaver who was making his Professional Debut.



.

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ April 15, 1977

~ Howard Smith ~ Earnie Shavers Set to Fight Saturday ~

Manager - Bob Biron has big plans for his fighter Howard Smith.

Smith, who is ranked #7 Ring Magazine and #4 WBC is getting $50,000 for this
Heavyweight bout which is to be broadcast on CBS Television.

The 30 year-old California Heavyweight has a record of 24-1-0 {17 KO's}, and
he has been waiting for a 'high-profile' bout for 3-Years.

Bob Biron >

This is a bout that we have been looking forward to. After this bout, we have our
sights set on a $250,000 bout next.

With #1 ranked George Foreman losing to Jimmy Young, the whole Heavyweight
Division has been turned upside down.

I would think, that the winner of our bout with Earnie Shavers should get a chance
for the World Championship next.

[Bill Paxtom]

'Tale of the Tape'

April 16, 1977

Howard 'Kayo' Smith
Age.......... 30 years, 3 months
Height...... 6' 2 1/2"
Weight..... 202 lbs.
Reach...... 78"
Record..... 24-1-0 {17 KO's}
Ranking... #7 Ring Magazine / #4 WBC / #10 WBA
Style........ Boxer/Puncher

Earnie 'The Razor' Shavers
Age......... 31 years, 8 months
Height..... 6' 0 1/2"
Reach...... 78"
Weight.... 209 lbs.
Record.... 53-5-1 {51 KO's}
Ranking.. #6 Ring Magazine / #8 WBC / #5 WBA
Style....... Bomber/Knockout Artist

Earnie opened up as a 7-5 Betting-Favorite, but the odds have swung in his favor
and were now 2-1.

[Bill Paxtom]

'Tale of the Tape'

April 16, 1977

Howard 'Kayo' Smith
Age.......... 30 years, 3 months
Height...... 6' 2 1/2"
Weight..... 202 lbs.
Reach...... 77"
Record..... 24-1-0 {17 KO's}
Ranking... #7 Ring Magazine / #4 WBC / #10 WBA
Style........ Boxer/Puncher

Earnie 'The Razor' Shavers
Age......... 31 years, 8 months
Height..... 6' 0 1/2"
Reach...... 78"
Weight.... 209 lbs.
Record.... 53-5-1 {51 KO's}
Ranking.. #6 Ring Magazine / #8 WBC / #5 WBA
Style....... Bomber/Knockout Artist

Earnie opened up as a 7-5 Betting-Favorite, but the odds have swung in his favor
and were now 2-1.

__________________________________________________ _______________________

"Pre-Fight Skinny"

Howard Smith >

"This the biggest fight of my life. I've been sparring with Ken Norton, so I know that I can
handle pressure and hard-punches."

"I know that Earnie is very dangerous over the first 3-Rounds, so I'll have to have my best
defense. I plan on staying inside Earnie's power while in close, and make him chase me while
I'm on the outside."

"I am confident. This is the 1st-Bout where I had 5-Weeks to prepare. Usually I get a
call within 1-Week before a fight."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earnie Shavers >

"We'll see how Howard handle's pressure. I'm going to put the 'Ohio Heavy' on him early,
and take him out fast. I will knock him out in the 3rd-Round. I take no prisoners."

"After I win this bout, I will deserve a World Championship bout with Muhammad Ali next.
Then I'll defend against Ken Norton and Jimmy Young."