Just a title really. You think about it and say what you want. My position: Williams was a truly excellent puncher and when in full flight, one of the very best I've seen; I know I'm not exaggerating when I claim the Jack & Gatica stoppages were absolutely electric. Rightly so, his paltry knockout percentage has received negative attention, but based on video evidence and ring reports we can gather he was a 135lbs Ray Robinson when so inclined and was capable of decking world class opponents multiple times for the stoppage or even permanently affecting them with a single shot, even if he usually won on points. That said, I think it may be our misinterpretation that Williams was just a good boxer technically and not a great one. There isn't much footage of Williams in his mid-to-late '40s prime but of the pieces we do have, I think the second Bolanos fight is the most interesting - in that round ten he's like a refined Henry Armstrong: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGegxrxJnh4&feature=relmfu[/ame] Williams starts even, trading jabs, then gradually takes over the fight. He is almost Chavez-like in his performance; Bolanos was very good in his own right but despite this being called a split decision he was never that competitive. This could very well be the typical Ike Williams and slightly different to the enigmatic power puncher we normally imagine. This display is categorised by excellent jabbing and slipping abilities combined with effective stalking and a special attention for body punching; very much a long distance fighter who could hammer you on points and leave you relieved to hear the final bell. I'm mentioning nothing about mob involvement.
Williams was a very good, I would go as far as saying "classic" boxer/puncher. Underrated boxing skills imo.....Btw I seen all three of his fights with Bolanos live. When I was ten years old my dad took me to see my first live boxing, that being the 1946 fight between Williams & Bolanos.
not the greatest footwork or defence of jabs/staights imo, but that's picking small holes in a great offensive fighter
No I think that is quite fair. I do think Williams took a few unnecessary jabs at times but he seemed not to mind or even carried an indifference or disdain for these punches, particularly from a weak opponent.
I saw Ike in his prime at 135 pounds several times ,in NY and Philly, koing Beau Jack... He was at his best at 135 pounds, and was just a shade under the WW Ray Robinson in all around ability...Ike had troubles with the powerful Manager's Guild, and was blackballed from lucrative bouts for awhile...But when he was "allowed ", Ike Williams would be a handful for any lightweight who ever lived...
Below is a link to a short essay I wrote in which I briefly touch on the Williams/Bolanos fights. http://frankbaltazar.blogspot.com/2012/02/1951-fight-for-life.html
The left hook right hand combo he threw may have been one of the most devastating at the weight. ouch
Frank, can you explain Williams' low knockout percentage? I've always put it down to a combination of things, such as: - He was measured and more technical than we think and didn't necessarily concentrate on looking for a knockout - He fought in an era of tough/slick fighters - Certain fights may have been 'tampered with' - He was afraid to look good in fear of being avoided Quite clearly, it wasn't because Williams couldn't punch.
"He was measured and more technical than we think and didn't necessarily concentrate on looking for a knockout" "He fought in an era of tough/slick fighters" These two will work best for me...The 3th would also work....I don't think he was afraid to look good. He really was not a fighter going out with KO on his mind, if the KO came it came. He was a guy that used all his skills to win a fight.
I posted on YT a while ago..... Williams vs Minelli..... [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ciq-Zc8qKk[/ame]
Yeah I saw that when you first posted it, forgot to express my gratitude. This, and Bolanos II, allow us to accurately gauge how Williams performed over several rounds against two excellent fighters. He doesn't disappoint. Thanks again.
