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

[Bill Paxtom]

December 3, 1963

~ A 'New' Max Schmeling ~

Part 5

Bruno Mueller - Manager >

We almost had a disaster in our next bout. Well 'technically' we did.

I put Karl in with Sweden's Thoerner Ahsman. He was a powerful 29 year-old Light-Heavyweight,
who had a style like Ingemar Johansson, and with a right-hand just as powerful.

On March 17, 1961 > at the Sportpalast in Berlin, Karl with a record of 22-1-0 {10 KO's} took on
Thoerner Ahsman 10-1-2 {4 KO"s}.

Karl {193 lbs.} had +8 lbs. on Ahsman {185 lbs.}, who stood only 5' 11 1/2".

For the first 2-Rounds, Karl forgot everything that I had told him about boxing-and-moving this
guy, and he stood directly in front of the 'tough' Swede. Karl was getting out-jabbed by the Thoerner,
and was getting popped by the Swede's right-hand.

Basically, Karl was getting beaten up.

Going out for Round 3, I told Karl to double-jab with his right-hand, and then slide to the right and
away from Thoerner's powerful right-hand.

Well foolishly, Karl moved straight in and started to trade with this guy. Next thing I know, Karl is
sprawled 'on-the-canvas' after getting clocked by a right-hand to the chin. Karl was up at the
'5-Count' and went right back at him.

Thoerner was 'pot-shotting' Karl, and dumped him on the canvas again with right-hand to the head.
Karl got right back up quickly, dusted his gloves off, and foolishly went back to attacking.

About 30-Seconds later, 'Boom' > Thoerner caught Karl again with a right-hand, and Karl skidded
to the canvas a 3rd-Time.

Since the 3-Knockdown Rule was waived, the bout continued. As Thoerner moved in, Karl hooked
Thoerner's his left-arm and 'slipped' to the canvas. While falling, he snapped the Swede's left
elbow.

Thoerner squelched in pain, and there was a 'Time Break' called by the Referee. After about
30-Seconds, the bout resumed but there was only about 25-Seconds left in the Round.

After the Round, the Ringside Physician checked out Thoerner Ahsman and determined that he
had 'dislocated' his left elbow.

Since Thoerner could not answer the Bell, Karl was awarded a 'controversial' TKO 4 victory.

[Bill Paxtom]

December 3, 1963

~ A 'New' Max Schmeling ~

~ At Last Came A German Boxer In The World Class Before ~

Bruno Mueller - Manager >

We surprised the Boxing Sports World Friday Night when Karl 'flattened' American
Billy Daniels with one body punch.

We are now a certified Main Event fighter. Karl is the only 'white' fighter ranked in
the Top 10. He is also the only European ranked with the World Class elite.

He is also the only southpaw boxer campaigning as a Heavyweight. Next up for us,
is the European Championship. We hope to be fighting for that Crown within 2-Months
against either Henry Cooper or Brian London.

Then, it's former Champion - Floyd Patterson, possibly in Sweden. Karl is too fast
for Floyd who is too nimble to cope with Karl. We will take Patterson easy.

Then its Sonny Liston. We might even make Liston an offer now. Karl is a much better
boxer than Liston, and I think that he could defeat him over 15-Rounds. Karl told me
he wants Liston {now}.

People ask me, what about the Dick Richardson bout {where Karl was KO'd in the
1st-Round by a single right-hand to the chin}.

Well, I tell them the truth. Karl was doing just fine by boxing the big Welshman's ears
off for the first 2-Minutes. Then he just walked in too close and got nailed. He was
'caught cold'.

But since then, we have improved on Karl's technical skills. He has listened to instruction,
and Karl is now a skillful technician.

[Bill Paxtom]

January 25, 1964

Sportpalast ~ Berlin, Germany

{#9} Karl Mildenberger ~ 39-2-1 {14 KO's} ~ 194 lbs.
vs.
{NR} Archie McBride ~ 33-14-1 {17 KO's} ~ 201 lbs.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Karl Mildenberger takes a 'tune-up' bout against old nemisies American - Archie McBride.

The 35 year-old Trenton, New Jersey veteran had fought Mildenerbrger to a 'disputed'
10-Round Draw here at the Sportpalast 1-Year earlier {back on January 26, 1963}.

Since that Draw, Archie has not fought and has been inactive. Archie was offered this bout,
so that Karl could have a chance to 'erase' this blemish on his record.

Archie has had only 10-Days to prepare, and is coming in at {201 lbs.}, +20 lbs. heavier than
when he fought Karl last year.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Mildenberger Sets Back McBride In 10-Round Bout ~

German Heavyweight - Karl Mildenberger started slowly, but finished strong to capture a hard
fought 10-Round Decision over 'burly' American - Archie McBride.

The 34 year-old veteran McBride dished out some good body-punishment on the {#9} World-Ranked
Mildenberger over the first 3-Rounds, keeping the German on the outside.

Mildenberger avoided engaging in close quarters with the hard-hitting American, and stayed back
while poking in occasional right-jabs over much of the first 4-Rounds.

But as the veteran slowed down, Mildenberger started putting together good 'right-left' combinations
on McBride during Rounds 5 and 6.

But, Mildenberger suffered a 'cut' over his right-eye during a heated exchange in Round 6, and the
German backed off and went back outside and fought cautiously by staying on the defensive, and
flinging occasional right-jabs.

Each battler took a break in Round 7, and for much of the first-half of Round 8, as both fighters did
more posing than punching.

With the bout too-close-for-comfort, Mildenberger came on strong over the second-half of Round 8
and landed his best punches of the bout {left-hands to the head}, up to that point.

In Rounds 9 and 10 > Mildenberger slammed McBride with powerful lefts to both the head-and-body,
that had the tiring American backing away and covering up, as the German dished out more punishment
than he took from McBride during the early Rounds.

The UPI scored the bout for Karl Mildenberger {5-3-2} in Rounds.

[Bill Paxtom]

Saturday ~ March 28, 1964

~ Zora Folley To Fight Karl Mildenberger In Elimination Bout ~

http://www.world-of-boxing.com/image...nberger/92.jpg

10-Round Bout Set For April 17, 1964 At Festhalle in Frankfurt, Germany

[Bill Paxtom]

April 17, 1964

Festhalle ~ Frankfurt, Germany

Attendance ..... { 12,000 }

{#9} Karl Mildenberger ~ 40-2-1 {14 KO's} ~ 6' 1 1/2" ~ 191 lbs. ~ Reach; 74" ~ {Age; 26 years, 5 months}
vs.
{#4} Zora Folley ~ 67-7-3 {37 KO's} ~ 6' 1" ~ 204 lbs. ~ Reach; 77" ~ {Age; 33 years, 1 months}
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Billed as an 'Elimination Bout'

~ 'Mildenberger Banks On Speed' ~

The question about Karl Mildenberger's lack of 'punching power' continues. Karl has only scored '1'
Knockout in his last 16-Bouts, dating back 2 1/2 years to September 1961.

His only 'KO' in over that span, was an impressive demolishing of Billy 'The Barber' Daniels on
November 29, 1963. Will the lack of power effect Karl in his bout with the smart-and-cagey
veteran American - Zora Folley.

Herber Kleinwaechter {Trainer} >
"I'm not worried about power. I'm more focused on speed-and-accuracy. Karl has the fastest
hands of any Heavyweight out there, and that is what we plan to use on Zora Folley."

"Look, we all know that Karl is not a big puncher. But, he can surprise you with his left-hand
if you're not careful. I want Karl to out-finesse the American. Zora Folley is strong, but he's
both predictable and slow. I'm not worried about Karl scoring a Knockout, I just want a win,
that's all."

~ 'Veteran Folley Has 'Right' Plans For His German Opponent' ~

33 year-old American Heavyweight - Zora Folley has stated the he has that the 'right' plans
for his southpaw German opponent.

Zora Folley >
"I'll just keep firing in straight right-hands all night long. That is my 'right' plan. He can't get
out of the way from straight-rights. He says that he is quick, but he comes straight in with
his hands too low."

"I've watched many of his bouts, and he is there to be hit. He has a lot of wins over mediocre
guys, but Mildenberger's not in my league. He's going to get hit from the Opening-Bell, and
I'll have him out if there by Round 6."

Billy Swift {Manager} >
"I consider this an 'Elimination Bout'. After we dispose of Mildenberger, we will approach the
WBA for a challenge against the winner of the upcoming Ernie Terrell vs. Cleveland Williams
for the 'vacant' WBA Championship Bout.

Zora Folley is an 11-Year Professional who has been competing since September 1953. Zora
has been ranked in the Top 10 for 8-Straight years {since September 1956}.

Zora had reached the #1 Ranking in the Fall of 1962, but was upset {L KO 7} by Doug Jones
on December 15, 1962 {a fighter who he had defeated {W Dec 10} earlier}.

Zora also lost {L Dec 10} to Ernie Terrell on July 27, 1963. But, Zora has won '4-Straight', and
has now moved back up to the #4 Heavyweight.

[Bill Paxtom]

April 17, 1964

Festhalle ~ Frankfurt, Germany

Attendance ...... { 12,000 }

~ Folley Held To Draw In Germany, Result Disputed ~

~ Folley Not Rewarded For Effort Against Mildenberger In Frankfurt ~

~ Mildenberger Rallies Late, Gains Draw With Amercan Folley ~

American Heavyweight - Zora Folley {204 lbs.} had scored what appeared to be a 10-Round
Decision over Karl Mildenberger {191 lbs.} in front of 12,000 spectators at the Festhalle in
Frankfurt, Germany.

But the Decision was scored as a 'Draw', which sent the German fans into boo-ing their
home-country fighter, while cheering and applauding the performance of the American.

After a slow-and-tentative first 2-Rounds, where neither fighter was the aggressor, Folley
picked up the action in Round 3, and scored with stiff left-jabs, and solid right-hands into
the face of Mildenberger.

Folley had the upper-hand from the 3rd-Round thru the 6th Round, as he carved out cuts
under both of Mildenberger's eyes, and inflicted heavy damage on the southpaw German.

Zora was basically giving Mildenberger a boxing lesson. But though the German was
out-classed, he never stopped trying.

The action was also rough on the inside, and the Referee - Otto Nispel stopped the bout several
times to warn the American for head-butting.

In Round 7, Zora also inflicted a cut over Mildenberger's right-eye with a sharp 'left-right',
and appeared to have the bout well in hand. The action also got a bit rough, as each time that
Mldenberger moved in close, Folley would lower his head, and 'accidentally' butt his German
opponent on the forehead.

But Mildenberger continued to come forward, and landed with several straight-lefts to the face,
bloodying Folley's nose in the process.

In Round 8, the action got heated. Folley scored with several good right-hands to open up a
cut on Karls' left-eyebrow. But Mildenberger was resilient, and came back with several straight
left-hands.

But then Folley countered and opened up, as he inflicted heavy-damage on Mildenberger with
a series of hard 'lefts-and-rights' that had the German groggy.

Just as Zora had the German in deep-trouble, the Referee - Otto Nispel stopped the action,
and had the Ringside Physician examine the cuts over Mildenberger's eyes. This gave Karl
time to recuperate, and he was able to survive the late onslaught in Round 8.

After 8-Rounds, Folley looked to have 'secured' a solid-points lead, and needed only to stay on his
feet to earn the Decision win.

Coming out for Round 9, a desperate Mildenberger rallied with quick right-jabs and straight left-hands
into Folley's body to take the Round.

In the Final Round, again Mildenberger used speedy {but light} punches to take the Round over a
defensive-minded Folley who was content to jab-and-block.

The European Stars and Stripes scored the bout for Zora Folley { 7-2-1 } in Rounds.

The UPI scored the bout for Zora Folley { 5-3-2 } in Rounds.

[Bill Paxtom]

April 30, 1964

~ European Boxing Union Sets Date For Henry Cooper ~

The European Boxing Union has stated that Champion - Henry Cooper of the United Kingdom
must face the winner of the Karl Mildenberger vs. Santo Amonti elimination bout.

The German Karl Mildenberger is ranked #1 by the EBU. Santo Amonti the Italian Heavyweight
Champion is ranked #2 by the EBU. A tentative date has been set for July 1964, with the
'Elimination Bout' most likely to be held in Germany.

Henry Cooper must defend his European Crown by October 14th against the winner.

[Bill Paxtom]

Thursday ~ May 21, 1964

~ Brit - Henry Cooper Now Set To Defend Agianst German - Karl Mildenberger ~

European Boxing Union - Vice President - Friedrich Opper has stated that Henry Cooper of
Great Britain will now defend his European Championship against Karl Mildenberger of Germany.

The EBU has stated that the bout will be held in either Italy or Germany, and that the bout
will 'not' be held in England. A proposed date for September 5th has been set.

Henry Cooper last fought on February 24, 1964 - when he defeated {W Dec 15} compatriot
Brian London for the 'vacant' European Crown.

Originally, Karl Mildenberger was set to battle Italy's Santo Amonti in an 'Elimination Bout',
but Amonti has decided to defend his Italian Championship aganst Piero Tomasoni instead,
and set for this Sunday, May 24th.

The EBU stated that the winner of the Santo Amonti vs. Piero Tomasoni Italian Championship
bout would be the next in line to face the wiinner of the Henry Cooper vs. Karl Mildenberger
European Championship Bout.

[Bill Paxtom]

Tuesday ~ August 25, 1964

~ Henry Cooper Favored Over German - Karl Mildenberger For European Championship ~

England's Henry Cooper is a slight betting favorite {7-5} over Germany's Karl Mildenberger
for Cooper's European Championship Belt.

The bout is scheduled for Saturday, September 5th > and is to be held at the Sportpalast in Berlin.

'Tale of the Tape'

Henry Cooper ~ 28-9-1 {18 KO's} ~ 6' 2" ~ 188 lbs. ~ Reach; 77" ~ {Age; 30 years, 3 months}
vs.
Karl Mildenberger ~ 40-2-2 {14 KO's} ~ 6' 1 1/2" ~ Reach; 74" ~ 192 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 9 months}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday ~ September 2, 1964

~ Henry Cooper Injures Hand, Cancels European Championship Bout ~

European Heavyweight Champion - Henry Cooper of England has pulled out of Saturday's Championship
Bout with Germany's Karl Mildenberger.

Cooper claimed that he injured his left-hand in a training session on Sunday, and waited 3-Days to see if
the hand would heal.

The hand-injury did not heal, and a Physician has recommended for Cooper to rest the hand for 4-Weeks
before resuming training.

[Bill Paxtom]

October 17, 1964

Deutschlandhalle ~ Berlin, Germany

'Vacant' European Heavyweight Championship

Attendance ....... { 11,500 }

{#9} Kark Mildenberger ~ 40-2-2 {14 KO's} ~ 6' 1 1/2" ~ 191 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 11 months}
vs.
{#12} Santo Amonti ~ 51-5-3 {33 KO's} ~ 6' 0" ~ 196 lbs. ~ {Age; 26 years, 10 months}
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

The European Boxing Union 'stripped' Champion Henry Cooper of his belt for failure to defend his
Championship within a reasonable time frame.

German- Karl Mildenberg {#1 European Ranking} and Italian - Santo Amonti {#2 European Ranking} will
battle for the 'vacant' Championship.

Karl had last fought {6-Months earlier} on April 17, 1964 > when he was given a rough going over by
American - Zora Folley, a bout that ended in a 'highly-debateable' 10-Round Draw.

This will be Karl's '2nd' attempt to win the European Championhsip.

~ The Skinny ~

Santo Amonti is a tough hard-slamming 7-Year Professional. Santo was the Italian Light-Heavyweight Champion
{December 1958 thru March 1960}, and has been the Italian Heavywieght Champion since {May 1962}.

Besides being tough, Santo is both awkward and rough in the Ring, and likes to plow-forward using his strength
to maul his opponents.

Santo achieved the #10 World Ranking in November 1963. In his most important bout, Santos was stopped
{L TKO 8} by former Champion - Floyd Patterson on January 6, 1964.

But since that loss, Santo has won '4-Straight' over the past 9-Months.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Mildenberger Surprises Amonti In 1st-Round ~

~ Mildenberger Stops Amonti In One ~

~ Mildenberger Wins By Speedy KO, Stops Amonti In 75-Seconds ~

German Heavyweight - Karl Mildenberger surprised Italian - Santo Amonti in the 1st-Round, and
landed a hard 'right-left' to the head that had the tough Italian in trouble quickly.

The southpaw German then sent Amonti reeling backwards after tagging him with '2' powerful
left-hands to the chin. With a 'dazed' fighter in front of him, Mildenberger unleashed a barrage
of fast-punches that was capped off by a jolting right-hook and hard left-cross to the chin that
dropped Amonti on his back.

The Referee counted out Santo Amonti at just {1:15} of the 1st-Round.

[Bill Paxtom]

November 20, 1964

~ WBA Ratings ~

Champion..... 'vacant'

#1 .... Ernie Terrell
#2 .... Floyd Patterson
#3 .... George Chuvalo
#4 .... Edddie Machen
#5 .... Zora Folley
#6 .... Roger Rischer
#7 .... Doug Jones
#8 .... Tony Alongi
#9 .... Karl Mildenberger
#10 .. Brian London

[Bill Paxtom]

November 20, 1964

Deutschlandhalle ~ Berlin, Germany

Attendance .... { 11,000 }

{#9} Karl Mildenberger ~ 41-2-2 {15 KO's} ~ 6' 1 1/2" ~ 195 lbs. ~ {Age; 27 years, 0 months}
vs.
{NR} Amos Johnson ~ 21-3-1 {9 KO's} ~ 6' 0" ~ 192 lbs. ~ {Age; 25 years, 10 months}
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ The Skinny ~

Karl Mildenberger, now the European Champion takes on American - 'Atom' Amos Johnson.

Amos Johnson {Medina, Ohio} is a virtual unknown, and un-ranked. The 6' 0" boxer-puncher
is a muscular-and-strong fighter with good power in both hands, especially with the fast-hooks.

The 5-Year Professional had a stellar Amater career, where he went 57-2, inclduing winning
the 1959 Pan Am Games 'Gold Medal' at Light-Heavyweight.

Amos was also the #1 United States Amateur Light-Heavyweight in 1959, while defeating
current World Heavyweight Champion - Cassius Clay in a United States Tournament.

Amos has had a busy 1964, where he has gone 8-1-0. His only loss, was a 'shocking' {L KO 1}
to hard-slugging southpaw Chip Johson on August 27th.

Amos has wins over World-Class fighters in;
* Willi Besmanoff
* Jefferson Davis
* Cody Jones
* Billy Joiner

Dave Brock {Manager} >
"We didn't come all the way from Ohio to New York, and across the Atlancto Ocean to get here
to fall down. We came here to make Mildenberger's life miserable."

"Nobody knows who we are. But after Friday Night, we'll be in the Top 10."

The fighters signed for this bout on November 1st, so both had ample time {19-Days} to prepare.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Tight Draw In Berlin ~

~ Ohio Boxer Draws With European Titlist ~

~ Mildenberger Held To Draw ~

~ Ohio Boxer Spoils Mildenberger's Expected Victory ~

European Champion - Karl Mildenberger, the #9 World-Rated Heavyweight was held to a 10-Round Draw
by virtual unknown American - Amos Johnson.

Karl Mildenberger {195 lbs.] was expcted to have an easy victory here in front of 11,000 spectators
Friday Night at the Deutchlandhalle in Berlin, but the crafty Amos Johnson {192 lbs.} came to fight.

The southpaw German got off to a steady start in the Opening Round as he scored with fast right-jabs
and straight left-hands on Johnson. Late in the Round, Mildenberger caught the Amercan with a series
of punches, and then just before the Bell he 'tagged' Johnson with '2' powerful left-hands to the head
that had the visitor 'wobbly-and-groggy'. Amos Johnson was saved by the Bell.

But Johnson recovered, and came out steady in Round 2. Johnson went straight at the German with
solid-blows that had Mildenberger backing away by the mid-way session in the Round.

Johsnon continued with his heavy-handed attacks in Rounds 3 and 4, as he landed 'smashing-blows'
into the German, who looked baffled at Johnson's toughness. Johnson's punches were extremely volatile,
as he landed with lightning-fast left-hooks on Mildenberger's head.

Mildenberger was able to slow Johnsn down briefly in Round 5, as he landed a few dangerously hard
left-hooks into the American's body, which had Johnson bending and moving.

Both fighters fought on 'even terms' in Round 6, as each landed with solid punches on the other, but
neither was dominating.

Mildenberger had a 'good' Round 7, as he scored with accurate right-jabs and stiff left-hands. But
Johnson steadily moved forward and delivered an occassional fast left-hook.

In Round 8, the action swung back-and-forrth, as the American plowed forward and unloaded with
left-hooks and right-hands. While, Mildenberger was forced to back away, and box with flashing
right-jabs and left-hand leads.

Slightly behind coming out for Round 9, the 'Hometown Hero' Mildenberger scored with a series of
'rights-and-lefts' to both the head and body, which had Johnson backing-up for the '1st-time' since
Round 1.

In Round 10 {Final Round} > both fighters were looking for an opening to deliver a big-punch, but
both fought smartly by jabbing and blocking.

The Associated Press scored the bout for Amos Johnson {5-4-1} in Rounds.

Fight Purses
* Karl Mildenberger ..... $18,000 {U.S. Dollars]
* Amos Johnson .......... $7000 {U.S. Dollars]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Karl Mildenberger >
"That was the toughest opponent that I have ever faced. Each time that I hit him, he came back harder.
"I'm sure that we will meet each other again. He's a very good fighter."

Amos Johnson >
"I'm not an unknown anymore. I told you that I would make his {Karl Mildenberger} life miserable inside
the Ring."

[Max Power]

I remember Mildenberger got Ali pretty good there at one stage (the so called "prime" Ali).

And I also remember Ali laughingly said the German ultra featherfist "hit harder than Frazier + was the hardest puncher he'd faced" in the early 70's. LOL

[Bill Paxtom]

I remember Mildenberger got Ali pretty good there at one stage (the so called "prime" Ali).

And I also remember Ali laughingly said the German ultra featherfist "hit harder than Frazier + was the hardest puncher he'd faced" in the early 70's. LOL

Cassius Says,

Karl Mildenberger was my most difficult opponent. He hurt me to the body more than Joe Frazier did.

Cassius was supposed to fight Karl Mildenberger again in June 1967.

But,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[Bill Paxtom]

December 4, 1964

Festhalle ~ Frankfurt, Germany

{#9} Karl Mildenberger ~ 41-2-3 {15 KO's} ~ 6' 1 1/2" ~ 196 lbs.
vs.
{NR} Ollie Brown ~ 30-17-0 {18 KO's} ~ 6' 2" ~ 213 lbs.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just 2-Weeks after battling rugged 'Atom' Amos Johnson to a 10-Round Draw in a
tough bruising bout, 27 year-old Karl Mildenberger is back in the Ring.

His opponent is American - Ollie Brown, a 'big' ~ 6' 2" ~ 213 lb. slugger-puncher.
Ollie {Age; 32 years. 9 months} is from Hartford, Connecticut but is now based out
of Miami. Ollie is primarily a cannon-fodder for up-and-coming fighters {ie; opponent status}.

Ollie was the Florida State Heavyweight Champion for 5 1/2 years, from
{March 1959 thru September 1964}. On the down-side, Ollie has lost 6-of-7 over the
past 15-Months.

Ollie also has been a sparring-partner for both former Heavyweight Champions -
Floyd Patterson and Sonny Liston.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~ Karl Mildenberger Topples Mr. Wilson ~

German Heavyweight - Karl Mildenbeger slammed American - Oliver 'Ollie' Wilson around
the Ring for 3-Rounds with 'jarring' left-hands to the head and body.

Mildenberger {196 lbs} kept up the pressure in Round 4, and shook up Wilson {213 lbs.}
several times with straight left-hands to the head.

Just past the {1:45 Mark}, Mildenberger jolted Wilson with a very hard left-hand to the
head, which sent the American 'staggering' to the Ropes 'out-on-his-feet'.

The bout was stopped by the Referee at 1:55 of Round 4.