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

[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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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'.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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."

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ April 16, 1977

The Aladdin Hotel and Casino ~ Las Vegas, Nevada

Attendance ..... { 1530 }

Round 1

Howard {202 lbs.} and Earnie {209 lbs.} met at Center-Ring.

0:04 > Howard fires off quick left-jabs, but misses.
0:05 > Earnie sends out '2 left-jabs but comes up short.
0:08 > The fighters clinch at Center-Ring.
0:12 > Both fighters measure each other at Center-Ring {Earnie is on the left, and Howard is on the right}.

0:18 > Earnie and Howard are both looking to counter.
0:26 > Each land light left-hands, as both are looking for an opening.
0:28 > Howard leans in, and fires an overhand-right that grazes Earnie's chin.
0:29 > Earnie fires a straight counter right-hand, but Howard ducks as the punch goes over his head.

0:29 > Howard moves to his left and circles Earnie.
0:32 > Howard fires out a spearing left-hand, but misses.
0:35 > Earnie attempts to throw a long straight right from the outside.
0:35 > But, Howard beats Earnie to the punch, and lands a 'hard' straight left-hand into his face.

0:37 > Earnie comes back with '2' left-jabs.
0:39 > Howard counters with his own left-jab.
0:41 > Earnie misses high with another long right-hand.
0:43 > Howard lands a decent 'left-right' to Earnie's face.

0:45 > Howard fires a hard left-hook at Earnie's chin, but misses.
0:46 > Earnie is short with a left-hook.
0:47 > Earnie paws with '2' left-jabs.
0:49 > Howard moves 180* to the other side of Center-Ring {left side}.

0:58 > Earnie flicks out '3' light left-jabs but they all miss.
1:00 > Howard sends out '2' measuring left-jabs, but they both fall short as he moves in close.
1:01 > The fighters clinch at Center-Ring.
1:02 > Earnie drapes his left-arm over Howard's neck, and forces him backwards to the left-side Center-Ropes.

1:04 > Earnie holds Howard with his left-hand, and slams a few right-hands into the body.
1:05 > The Referee - Richard Greene 'slaps' at Earnie's left-hand and tells him > "Let him go Earnie."
1:07 > Earnie uses his head, and leans on Howard, as he pushes him backwards into the front-left Corner.
1:10 > Both fighters lean on each other, but neither are punching while in close.

1:15 > Howard sends out a left-jab, then follows up with a quick double 'left-right' to Earnie's head.
1:17 > Earnie lands '3' soft left-hands, and looks for an opening.
1:21 > Howard fires out a quick 'right-left'.
1:22 > Earnie comes back with a hard-right, and then leans on Howard keeping him 'pinned' in the front-left Corner.

1:28 > Earnie fires in a 'big' left-hook into the right side of Howards's body.
1:31 > Earnie comes back with a sharp right-hand to the head.
1:33 > Howard comes back with a sharp 'left-right' to the head.
1:35 > Earnie backs off, and steps back out to Center-Ring.

1:37 > Howard moves in close.
1:38 > Earnie drapes his left-hand over Howard's neck, and shoots in a short right-uppercut to Howard's jaw.
1:39 > Howard moves back 1-step, and leaves his right-hand low.
1:40 > Earnie comes in with a big-sweeping left-hook that catches Howard flush on the right-side of his jaw.

1:41 > Howard reels backwards to the back left Neutral-Corner.
1:43 > Earnie follows, and 'wings' a big right-hand at Howard.
1:44 > Howard ducks, as Earnie tee's off with a left-hook.
1:45 > Howard falls onto the middle Rope strand.

1:46 > Earnie wings in a right upper-cut, and follows with a hard 'left-right' into Howard's head.
1:48 > Howard tries to punch back.
1:50 > Earnie slams in a 'left-right' into Howard's face.
1:53 > Howard tries a 'left-right' while he's on the Ropes.

1:54 > Earns slams in a short right-cross into Howard's jaw as he sags to the lower Rope-strand.
1:56 > Earnie adds in a 'left-right-left-right' as Howard is pinned on the Ropes
1:58 > Howard is sagging on the lower Rope-strand, but does not go down.
1:59 > Referee - Richard Greene jumps in, and pushes Earnie away.
2:00 > The Referee gives Howard a 'Standing 8-Count'.

2:03 > Howard walks along the back Ropes, and looks toward his Corner {back right Corner} for instructions.
2:08 > The Referee - Richard Greene completes the '8-Count' and asks Howard > "Are you OK."
2:10 > Howard says > "Yes, I'm all-right."
2:12 > The Referee - Richard Greene gives Howard a few more seconds.

2:13 > The Referee waves at both fighters, telling them that they are clear to continue.
2:14 > Earnie, who was waiting in the front-right Corner, moves quickly to Center-Ring.
2:15 > Howard moves out as well.
2:16 > Earnie sends out a 'lead' right-hand, along with a 'left-right'.

2:18 > Earnie comes back with another fast 'right-left-right'.
2:19 > Howard is 'stunned', but tries to counter Earnie with a 'left-right'.
2:20 > The action is heated, as Earnie forces Howard into the back-center Ropes.
2:21 > Earnie tags Howard with with a big chopping right-hand to the jaw.

2:21 > Howard 'sags' along the lower Ropes, as Earnie tries to tee off on him.
2:22 > The Referee moves in quickly, and pushes Earnie away, to issue another 'Standing 8-Count'.
2:23 > Howard falls down on his 'haunches', but is up immediately.
2:29 > The Referee completes the '8-Count',
2:30 > Richard Greene asks Howard > "Howard, are you all-right."

2:31 > Howard responds > "I'm all-right. Yes, I'm all-right."
2:35 > Richard Greene gives Howard a few more seconds, before waving for the fight to continue.
2:36 > Earnie, who was in the front-right Neutral-Corner comes bolting out to Center-Ring.
2:37 > Earnie comes straight at Howard who is on 'shaky legs'.

2:37 > Howard steps out, and clinches Earnie at Center-Ring.
2:38 > Earnie ducks under Howard's left arm, as Howard puts his left-arm over Earnie's neck.
2:40 > Earnie breaks free, and slams a left into Howard's body, and a right to the shoulder.
2:41 > Earnie comes back with a quick 'left-right' to the head.

2:42 > Howard tries to grab Earnie.
2:42 > Earnie fires in a hard 'left-right' to the head, and the right-hand catches Howard flush.
2:43 > Howard stumbles forward towards the front-right Neutral-Corner.
2:44 > Earnie follows, and throws a right-hand at Howard who goes flying by him.

2:45 > Howard goes down on his right-knee, as his upper-body crashes into the middle-Ropes.
2:48 > Howard is up at the '3-Count'.
2:49 > Howard leans back into the Corner, and speards his arms, and drapes them over the top Rope strands.
2:54 > The Referee - Richard Greene completes the 'Mandatory 8-Count'.

2:55 > The Referee asks Howard >"'Do you want to continue." > as Howard spreads both arms and drapes them over each Top Rope strand.
2:56 > Howard is slow in reacting.
2:58 > Richard Greene grabs at Howard's arms, and says > "Howard, are you all-right. Can you go on."
2:59 > Howard nods 'Yes', as he brings both gloves up under his chin.

3:00 > The Bell sounds ending Round 1.
3:02 > Howard walks along the right-side Ropes and back to his corner, 'still dazed' but aware of where he is.

[brocktonblockbust]

earnie's jabs are like a ~power~ punch.