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

[Bill Paxtom]

March 1969

Karl Mildenberger

Karl had amassed a 'small fortune' in fight purse winnings, and accumulated $200,000
in the bank as of March 1969.

But, back-to-back losses in '1968' to {L KO 7} Leotis Martin and {L Disq. 8} to Henry Cooper dropped
Karl down to #18 World Ratings.

The quest for a rematch with Cassius Clay was now 'long gone', and despite a record of
53-6-3, Karl was considered 'ringworn' and fragile material after '62-bouts'.

The issue, is that Karl has been down '14-Times' in his last 8-Bouts over the past 2-Years. The ability
to take a good punch is not there anymore.
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Karl Mildenberger >

"I could fight Gerhard Zech again. That would be a 3rd-time. I have been offered $25,000
for the bout. But what sense would it make. Another win over Gerhard isn't going to move me
up the Heavyweight Ladder.

Also, the 'new' German Champion - Peter Weiland has called me out. Though Weiland is not
in my 'class', I could fight him for National Pride. But the fight purse offering has been
'miniscule' to fight him.

And Juergen Blin has added {talked about} some interest in fighting me. That would be
an entertaining bout, as Juergen comes to fight.

We'll see. I am going to think about it for awhile, and make my decision in another 2-or-3 Months.

I'm still in the Gym 5-Days a Week, just to stay in shape. Nothing too intense, just some
light-sparring and physical conditioning.

[Bill Paxtom]

Friday ~ July 11, 1969

Kaiserslautern, West Germany

~ Karl Mildenberger Retires ~

Former World Title Challenger - Karl Mildenberger retires. Mildenberger {Age; 31 years, 7 months} decided
on hanging up the gloves, after contemplating the decision over the past 2-months, while in training in
Kaiserslautern, Germany.

Karl had been planning on a 'comeback bout' for late-July, but decided against it after not feeling comfortable
in the Ring during his recent sparring-sessions.

Karl Mildenberger >
"Physically, I'm fine. But mentally, I feel that I wasn't giving 100%. I was just going through the motions
during my sparring-sessions. I believe that I have lost the 'desire' to fight, and the motivation is just not there.
That tells me that it is time to 'hang-up' the gloves."
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The southpaw German compiled a record of > 53-6-3 in '62-Bouts' spanning over 11 years
since turning professional on October 15, 1958.

'Milde' will go down as the fighter who gave Cassius Clay his toughest bout.

Many gave said that Karl Mildenberger devised 'The Formula' on how to defeat Cassius Clay.