Karl Mildenberger ~ 'I Had The Formula To Beat Cassius Clay'

[Bill Paxtom]

~ After Bout Comments ~

~ Der Speigel ~

The German Magazine had the bout scored {7-4-0 in Rounds} for the Champion - Cassius Clay.

The Champion was the class of the show, but 'Milde' was persistent and aggressive in
his attempt to defeat the fast-working Champion.

The Champion was the better man in Rounds 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10. Mildenberger did well
in Rounds 3, 4, 9 and 11.

The Champion was 'befuddled' by 'Milde' early in the bout, as he was surprised by the
Challenger's speed. Mildenberger was the better fighter in early part of each session,
as he continually backed up the Champion.

But the Champion came on strong over the last-seconds of each session, as he did
in Round 5, when he dropped 'Milde' at the Bell with a fast jolting right-hand.

The Champion was 'not' impressive at all defensively, as he was tagged numerous times
by awkward punches from 'Milde', as he was boxing with his hands low and by his sides.

Clay had a very good Round in the 6th, as he pummeled 'Milde' whenever he wanted to
open up and fire-away, especially at the end of the Round.

But Mildenberger fought courageously in Rounds 7 and 8, and made the Champion work,
not giving him a rest, as he put on constant pressure. In the second-half of Round 8,
Clay caught 'Milde' with a powerful left-hook that turned his legs to 'jelly' and dropped
him, but 'Milde' was up quickly.

Despite suffering a Knockdown in Round 8, 'Milde' was the effective-aggressor in Round 9,
and did a good job in controlling the action.

Late in Round 10, Clay dropped 'Milde' again, this time with a 'bolt-action' straight right-hand
to the point-of-the-chin as Mildenberger was walking in with his guard down.

The punch sent 'Milde' down on his back, where he did a backwards somersault, before
struggling up at the '6-Count'.

But the gritty Challenger fought on, despite a bloody left-eye which effected his vision. And
again, 'Mllde' rallied in the next Round {Round 11} and fought well, winning the Round as
he out-punched the Champion who back-pedaled around the Ring, and looked arm-weary
and puzzled.

But in Round 12, 'Milde' fought with blurry vision and could not see the right-hands coming
in, and was caught by another jolting right-hand which staggered him.

Referee - Teddy Waltham wisely halted the bout at that point.