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February 1st, 1977
Fightnews
Foreman: "Baruzzi can't take my power!"
On this saturday, the former heavyweight champion of the world, George Foreman (31-2, 31 KOs) will clash with italian Piermario Baruzzi (25-5, 18 KOs) in the semifinal of the tourney to crown a new WBA champ following the retirement of Muhammad Ali. Foreman is a massive favourite and it is expected to be matter of a few rounds before Baruzzi is sent down and out. George agrees very much with this: I could not have gotten an easier semifinal fight. The italian will pose no problems for me or my power". Baruzzi himself knows it will be hard, but believes in the upset: "I have a plan that i know can help be get the victory. Foreman is a strong fighter, and it will be hard, but i know i can do it". It will surdenly be interesting on the 5th. In a much less hyped fight, Earnie Shavers (30-2, 26 KOs) and Boone Kirkman (28-8, 20 KOs) will meet eachother for the third time in the other semifinal on the 14th. Earnie is expected to do what he did the two previous times, which is knock the tough Kirkman out.
Undefeated prospect Larry Holmes wants bigger fights
Following his one round blow-out of no-name Larry Wills (4-5-2, 2 KOs), the 1972 olympic gold medalist, Larry Holmes (20-0, 18 KOs) is going for the bigger fights: I want to fight the big guys now. I'll fight everyone. My plan is to challenge for a title in late 1977 or early 1978". Holmes is being hyped up by many as the next great champ. He has also been compared to the legend Muhammad Ali many times, due to their similar style of a great defense and a fantastic left jab.
Ring magazine rankings February 1977
All those mentioned in the above articles is in bold.
CH: Vacant
1. Ken Norton 34-3 (29)
2. George Foreman 31-2 (31)
3. Earnie Shavers 30-2 (26)
4. Jimmy Young 31-3 (10)
5. Joe Bugner 31-9 (19)
6. Boone Kirkman 28-8 (20)
7. Ron Lyle 26-1 (23)
8. Al Lewis 32-7-2 (17)
9. Mike Weaver 24-2 (21)
10. Jeff Merritt 31-10 (25)
11. Larry Holmes 20-0 (18)
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