Cleveland Williams vs Ernie Terrell WBA Title early 1965

LH71,

A very good proposed match-up, with contrasting styles.

March 1965

Cleveland Williams, age 31 1/2.
Ernie Terrell, age 25 1/2.

If the bout is in Houston, I would go with Cleveland suprisingly by a 15-Round
Decision. Somthing like a score of 145-141.

With the 'Big Cat' scoring a 'flash knockdown' via the left-hook in Round 3. And also
dominating the bout thru 6-Rounds. But Cleveland will get a bit arm-weary, and
cruise through the middle rounds, allowing Ernie to get back into the fight.

The 'ambling giant' would get that 'telephone pole jab' going, and pick apart
Cleveland from the 7th thru the 12th. But Cleveland, with the support of the Houston fans would
rally over the last '3-rounds' as Big Ernie would be fading on wobbling legs.

Thats 8-5-2 in Rounds, with the 'Big Cat' scoring a 2-point round in the 3rd.

 

It's amazing that Cleveland Williams recovered at all, never mind being in the ring with the world champion within 2 years of being shot.

It's on record that Ali's camp steered him away from Cleveland Williams on his way up. And even in 1966 they wouldn't agree to the fight until they were shown pictures of an emaciated 160-pound Williams in his hospital bed. They figured if he had been that sick then he can't have much left.

 

Ali was the greatest

 

Cassius Clay, who ate left hooks in 1962 and 1963, smartly avoided
the 'Big Cat' during that time.

Cleveland had a picture on his wall, with a photo of Cassius Clay's head
flying in the air after getting detached from his body by a 'Big Cat' left hook.

Oh, what a fight that would have been in September 1963.

 

Here are highlights of their second fight:

[dm]xshktk_terrell-vs-williams_sport[/dm]

Williams came on strong at the end, perhaps he would have had the advantage in a 15 round fight.

 

:good

I like how a huge guy like Terrell got his weight down to 198 pounds. Incredible.

 

If the bout is held in Chicago, in March 1965

Ernie Terrell by a TKO 14.

Jab, jab and more jabs.

Cleveland always had a difficult time in 'colder climate'.

 

**** on your 'Cassius Clay' BS Pepe, along with your bias. You obviously have boxing knowledge so start some interesting threads for a change. :tired

 

1963, Williams probably would have KO'd Clay.

 

I didn't start this thread, someone else did.

And despite your obvious pro-Cassius Clay Love and hate for every other Heavyweight contender, I will not criticize your opinion.

I still think Ernie Terrell stops a 'physically fit' Cleveland Williams by TKO in Chicago.

 

And I agree that an early 65 Ernie stops? or at least decisions Cleveland at that time.
The WBA chose Machen? After Ali, Liston, Patterson, and Chuvalo (who were all fighting each other at the time) I guess Eddie was the one, even after he had his table run 7 months earlier by Floyd. You should love the WBA SP, they hated "Cassius Clay'' as much as you do.
I'm not an Ali nut-hugging lover. What makes you think that?
As a 11-12-13 yr. old boxing lover at that time, thanks to my dad, I watched ALL the contenders.
As I've said, I think Ali could be the greatest HW of all-time because we never saw him from summer-67/summer-70. That being said...
Every promising fighter is brought along slow by his handlers...Cassius (that was his name at the time) was steered clear of Machen in 62-63. IMO Eddie may have 'slicked' him out of a decision at that time. Williams? Might have brought too much power to the table at that time. Jeez-o-pete Senor he was only 20 years old at the time! You want Eddie or Cat to step in with TOP contenders in 55-57?

 

Let not forget this thread, and not debate Cassius Clay and his incredible talent,
for the umpteenth time.

Ernie versus Cleveland in 1965, a match-up of different styles, but equal talents.

 

Interesting their two fights prior. In 62 Cat stopped Ernie in the 7th in Cleve's hometown (I'd like to get my hands on that one) then a year later Ernie cops a SD over Williams in the rematch.
By early 65, as I said, I see Terrell winning a UD against Williams.

 

Even if williams had never been shot terrel would have beaten cleveland in 1965 because they were at opposite ends of their careers last time they met. Williams was Terrels first "step up opponent" and he lost in much the way williams himself lost in the polo grounds on the marciano v lastarza card way back when against sylvester jones. Just like williams terrel would reverse this loss. By 1965 Terrel had beat even better opponen than Williams could beat and was an established member of a new generation of elite fighters. Guys like Williams, machen, Patterson and Folley had one foot in the 1950s and williams had been going the longest with the least impresive record against elite fighters of that bunch.