At one time he was the most prominent heavyweight in the world beside of the deposed Muhammad Ali and streaking Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Frazier. He was the favorite to win the hastily put together WBA elimination tourney that was set up to find a successor to the alleged draft dodger Ali.

When he beat ex-WBA champion Ernie Terrell in the opening round of the tournament he seemed like a shoe in to capture the vacant crown. Where did it all go wrong? Why did fate this talented boxer such a cruel blow? If only Thad Spencer knew what the future held for him.

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