Madison Square Garden
Jeff Merritt ~ 21-1-0 {16 KO's} ~ {Cleveland, Ohio} ~ 221 1/2 lbs. ~ 6' 4 1/2" ~ Age; 26 years, 8 months
vs.
Ernie Terrell ~ 46-8-0 {21 KO's} ~ {Chicago, Illinois} ~ 227 lbs. ~ 6' 6" ~ Age; 34 years, 5 months
Jeff Merritt had not fought in 16-Months. Jeff was now being Managed by Don King.
Jeff's last bout at Madison Square Garden was back on August 18, 1969 {4+ Years}, where he
defeated Henry Clark by a {Unanimous 8-Round Decision}
Ernie Terrell had won 7-Straight since coming back in December 1970 after a 3 year lay-off. But Ernie was
'upset' {by a bad 12-Round Decision} to Chuck Wepner 2 1/2 Months earlier {June 23, 1973} in Atlantic City,
in a bout which cost Ernie a chance to challenge George Foreman for the Heavyweight Championship.
Jeff Merritt TKO's Ernie Terrell In 1st
There were no knockdowns.
It was a dull fight for the first 2-Minutes, as both tall and lanky fighters were content to paw and wrestle
rather than punch. Jeff then tried to force the action.
Then suddenly at around the 2:20 Mark, Jeff unloaded a powerful and long left-hook that caught Ernie on the head.
Ernie then wobbled, and Jeff battered him halfway across the Ring with a barrage, and sent Ernie near the Corner.
Jeff then maneuvered Ernie to the Ropes, and unleashed a bombardment of punches.
Ernie then fell back into the Ropes and got tangled as Jeff attacked. Referee - Arthur Mercante then tried to jump in
to separate the fighters, but Jeff slid around Arthur and kept pummeling a dazed Ernie.
Mr. Mercante then stopped the bout at 2:42 of Round 1, as Ernie was out-on-his-feet.
Two-Weeks later {September 27, 1973}, Edwin D. Dooley of the New York State Athletic Commission officially
retired Ernie Terrell, stating that the former WBA Champion's skills have deteriorated, after having him examined
by '2' Commission Doctors.
