1980 jan ring magazine ali claims cleveland cleveland williams wouldve knocked him out

I do remember that title bout, only two years before Cleve was shot by a Texas State Trooper after the WBA announced that Williams would be meeting Ernie Terrell for the vacant WBA title on March 5 1965, instead Eddie Machen took the Big Cat's place. It would have been interesting to see Williams at peak form against champion Muhammad Ali on Nov 14 1966. Post what you like.

 

Peak Ali's "defense" is probably one of the most overrated things boxing. Williams is super athletic and just like you said, he is capable of giving Ali fits and even knocking him down in the process. Although Ali would eventually win, I'd argue his jaw might've been swollen and bust up by the time the fights over.

 

What was so intriguing is that Muhammad Ali had cat like reflexes in 1966, the Henry Cooper knockdown occurred in June 1963, before he beat Sonny Liston in Feb 1964. But during his first title reign from 1964-1967 his defense was very unconventional, in the second Cooper fight on May 21 1966, he tore up Cooper, no knockdown. But I do agree that if Cleveland Williams was in peak form prior to 1964, it would have been interesting.

 

You are going to be a really good poster.

 

No, do not take it as sarcasm, I really do enjoy your posts, it made me think of an outcome if Williams had not been shot in 1964. Good Post.

 

I've always thought if Williams faced a prime Ali, it would've resembled the former's bout with Machen though obviously more in Ali's favor as opposed to a controversial majority draw where one judge had Williams a clear winner and the other two a draw.

 

Ali would fool any version of Williams, he was the best against limited power punchers and in this case, Williams would have no speed advantage.

 

My theory on early difficulties and KDs encountered by Ali was that it was at least due in part to the fact that Ali was literally still growing up and out. That’s not just to say that he hadn’t yet arrived at his final physical product but also, in the meanwhile, his physical attributes were continuing to change - constant adjustments until finally settling into a reasonably static vehicle that was his body.

Against the 66 version of Cleve, Ali clearly fought to the level of his opponent, he put on a show, didn’t even punch for the first minute at least. Ali knew it was the perfect opp. to showcase…and he did exactly that. Also, notice despite Ali’s general disdain for going to the body - he made a point of jabbing Cleve in the gut more than a few times - boxing is ruthless but it was a fair move.

On the flip side, Williams was light years away from the guy that engaged Liston twice in 59 and 60. Just as the 64 version of Liston that faced Ali was also well removed from his 4 to 5 year younger self upheld in the Williams’ fights.

 

Ali was young, still not at his best. Besides, being dropped doesn't mean losing a fight. Ali still beat them convincingly.

Ali survived Fraizer, Foreman, Liston and many others. All of them had better hooks than Williams.