Howard “Kayo” Smith

***** FLASHBACK ***** In loving memory and respect to our friend Jim Amato (R.I.P.) this article piece was originally published on www.dmboxing for viewing on May 15, 2010 . In remembrance of Jim, never to be forgotten, all his postings can be located by clicking onto his name in the Categories section. He came on board to dmboxing in 2008 and truly contributed the best of the best in boxing. Jim was truly respected world-wide by many as a boxing historian and sports collector, he passed away in Ashland, Ohio on February 22, 2021, after a bout with cancer at the age of 66. May his soul rest peacefully in heaven with the Lord.


(Photo – David Martinez & Howard Smith)

By Jim Amato / Senior Boxing Writer

When a fighter earns the nickname “Kayo”, it’s safe to assume he’s a pretty dangerous guy . Howard Smith met and defeated some top tier heavyweights in the 1970’s. Yes he could bang with the best of them.

Howard turned professional in 1971 and suffered a defeat in his fourth pro fight . He bounced right back in 1972 halting future world champion Mike Weaver in three rounds. Next he outscored Weaver in a return match. In 1973 Howard pounded out a decision over Jack “The Giant” O’Halloran . Smith was moving up in the heavyweight rankings in 1974 with KO wins over Tony Doyle and O’Halloran in a rematch. Howard leaped over another hurdle in 1975 with a fifth round stoppage of the respected Larry Middleton . In 1976 Smith won a split decision over the smooth boxing Johnny Boudreaux.

1977 proved to be pivotal year for Howard . He solidified his Top Ten ranking by outscoring the clever Henry Clark. Then in April at the Aladdin in Las Vegas, Howard met the hard belting Earnie Shavers . This was a much anticipated match between two of divisions premier punchers. Who would get in the first big shot ? Well on this night it was the feared Shavers who dropped Howard three times in the first round . The bout was halted in the second round. It was a disappointing loss but Smith returned to action four months later knocking out Charlie James in the tenth round . That would be Howard’s last fight.

Smith only had twenty pro fights, (17-2-0 with 1 no contest). He won ten via the KO route. In his brief career he made his mark in the talent rich heavyweight division of the 70’s .

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *