Muhammad Ali vs. Mike Schutte ~ Proposed as 'The Singapore Sling'

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ February 19, 1977


Wembley Stadium ~ Johannesburg, South Africa

Mike Schutte ~ 33-6-1 {25 KO's} ~ 257 lbs.
vs.
Chuck Wepner ~ 33-11-2 {15 KO's} ~ 227 lbs.
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~ 'South African' Mike Schutte Pounds 'American' Chuck Wepner ~

~ Schutte Wins, Ali Fight Next ? ~

Burly 26 year-old South African - Mike Schutte used a thudding body attack to defeat
38 year-old Amercan veteran Chuck Wepner over 10 'bloody' Rounds.

Schutte, giving up nearly 5" in height, had some difficulty with the reach disadvantage in
the early going, as the 'Brawler from Bayonne' was ale to score with left-jabs and clubbing
right-hands.

But by Round 4, Schutte was able to bull his way inside, and the South African used his size
{+30 lbs.} to maul Wepner backwards.

The South African swung with wide left-hooks and right-hand power punches into Wepner's
body during Rounds 5 and 6.

The American looked worn down by the end of Round 6, and retaliated with rough fighting
and 'Rabbit Punching'.

In Round 7, Schutte 'tagged' Wepner in the face several times, and blood started to flow
from a bad-cut over Wepner's left-eye. Schutte nearly dropped Wepner at the end of
the Round with a vicious 'left-right' to the body that bucked the veteran Heavyweights
knee's.

Schutte pounded Wepner's body unmercifully in Round 8, and also turned the American's
face into a crimson-mess by landing several wide-hooks to Wepner's eyes.

Referee - Stanly Christodoulou looked in several times, and nearly jumped in to stop
the 'gory' brawl, but the American held on, and rallied over the last 15-Seconds of
Round 8.

The South African regained control in Round 9, and dominated the last 2-Rounds,
as Wepner was content to hold-and-grab to survive, while Schutte slammed away with
heavy body-blows.

The Associated Press scored the bout {6-2-2} in Rounds for Mike Schutte.

[Bill Paxtom]

February 21, 1977

~ Springbok Boxing Enterprises ~

~ Hopes for Muhammad Ali and Mike Schutte Set for April 29th ~

Mike Schutte >

"I was told back in December 1976, that I was next for Ali. We were all set. Then they
told me that I would have to defeat an American Heavyweight that was rated in the
Top 20."

"Well, I just beat up #19 WBA-ranked Chuck Wepner pretty bad. Now, I'm told to
wait another 4-Months."

"I guess the Champion doesn't want to come to South Africa. That is a shame, as this
could be a wonderful event for our Country."

[Master]

The anticipation is killing me. What happened?

[Bill Paxtom]

The anticipation is killing me. What happened?

On February 23, 1977 >

Muhammad Ali stated that he would require approval from all of the African Nations
first, before going into South Africa.

On March 9, 1977 > The word was ............ "NO"

Then, the South African Boxing Board of Control demanded that South African Champion -
Gerrie Coetzee to defend his Title against the #1 South African Heavyweight - Mike Schutte
on April 16, 1977.
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Mike 'The Tank' Schutte >

"If I cannot fight for the World Championship, then I want my country's Championship."

"When I defeat Gerrie Coetzee on April 16th, then I will have more clout. We still have a
Fight Promoter in Singapore who is willing to put up $5,000,000 for Muhammad Ali to
fight me."

[Bill Paxtom]

Mike 'The Tank' Schutte

Box/Rec has Mike incorrectly listed at 6' 5" in height..........

Mike Schutte stood at 6' 0", and had a reach of 71".

He was a thick barrel-chested guy, with a heavy torso. Typical brawler/puncher.

But, for a thick-heavy guy, he had surprisingly fast-hands, and was quick.
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Fact >

After losing to Gerrie Coetzee on April 16, 1977 for the South African Heavyweight
Championship >

Mike was being mentioned as an opponent for former Champion - Joe Frazier who was
thinking of making a comeback in South Africa in July 1977.