DUANE BOBICK 'One Fight Away'

In maybe the most stupid and bonehead decisions ever made,
his management foolishy took a fight with Ken Norton in 1977.

Carefully managed and protected for 3 1/2 years, and with a
#5 ranking.

Within an 'eyelash' of fighting Ali in late 77' for the
World Heavyweight Championship, and a 'super big money' fight.

 

Scheduled for May 11, 1977 in Madison Square Garden.
On National TV, in 'prime time'

#3 Ken Norton vs. #5 Duane Bobick

The 26-year old Bobick's 38-0-0 record has been built-up with a list of;
'beaten old ladies'
'round-heeled has-beens'
'clowns moonlighting for the Shrine Circus'

A victory over #3 Ken Norton, would bring a 'financial blockbuster' title fight versus
Muhammad Ali, as per Angelo Dundee.

Eddie Futch, Bobick's manager, has said it was a risk, but not that big of a risk.
He has been in the ring with Joe Frazier, and Joe tested his left hook on
Duane, and he took it well.

Despite a list of no-name opponents, and being considered a 'marshmallow',
Futch believes Bobick has the perfect style to foil Ken Norton's 'foot in bucket'
offense.
Both Joe Frazier (Bobicks manager) and Eddie Futch (Bobicks trainer) will direct
Bobick to employ a body-assault on Norton's exosed and vulnerable mid-section.
A 'kill the body and the head will die' formula, which as worked so well for the
former champ.

For Norton, this fight couldn't come any sooner. It was originally schedueld for March,
but Bobick tore ligaments in his side, causing a postponement.
If Norton wins, he will most likely be relegated to chasing Ali, for a 4th fight, but insiders say that won't happen.
Angelo Dundee, Ali's trainer is secretely hoping for a Bobick win. This kid Bobick, is a comer, Angie stated. He may be a tad slow, but he is effective. He has a good jab, and a pretty decent straight right hand down the pike.
I'll take effective over strength any day of the week.

Joe Frazier has been working with Bobick in developing a left hook, which was non-existent in Bobicks arsenal. Joe stated, that he's as ready as is ever going to be.
If we back Kenny up, its all over. He can't fight backing up.
If Kenny moves forward, then we'll re-adjust as the rounds go by.
Frazier and Futch made no predictions, other than this is a long-distance fight.
A body attack first, then combinations in the middle rounds, then open up in
Round 8.

Then on to Ali in September. 1977 is our year.

Ken Norton to receive $500,000,,,,,,,,,,,Duane Bobick $250,000

Ken Norton opened up as an 11-5 favorite. By fight time, the gap had closed to
Even-money in NYC.

 

Ping-Ping,

Duane Bobick beat an 18-1-1 Scott Ledoux in Minnesota in early-1976.
A Minnesota TV fight.
It may have been his best overall fight, as Bobick busted up LeDoux pretty good
in the middle rounds. It may have been 9-1-0 in rounds.

Then they had Mac Foster lined up for a National TV fight, but NBC opted out of it
because Foster had looked horrible in training.

 

turp,
A Huge favorite for the Olympics.
He beat Teofilo Stevenson convincingly in the 1971 Pan-Am Games.
Also, beat (2) tough Russians in a home-n-away USA vs. Russian meet.
And dominated the extremly tough, 1972 Olympic box-offs.
Till this day, considered the best ever amateur box-off for Heavyweights.

He did earn a #5 Ranking in 1977, despite not being overly impressive.
And, many boxing scribes picked him to not only beat #3 Ken Norton, but
knock him out.
Angelo Dundee said the kid was effective, and that effectiveness would take him to victory over a stronger Norton.

 

Duane Bobick has many notches on his amateur ledger
Larry Holmes
Nick Wells
Mike Weaver
Teofilo Stevenson
Igor Vsyostky (Beat Stevenson twice, once by Knock-out)
Fred Houpe

 

Un,
The guy beats Larry Holmes and Mike Weaver in the amateurs by Knock-out,
Knocks out Weaver in the Pro-Ranks,,,
The poor kid couldn't catch a break!