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

[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.