Young Cassius Clay, fresh off his TKO 6 victory over Argentinian - Alex Miteff, wanted to take on former Heavyweight Champion - Ingemar 'Ingo' Johansson. But 'cooler heads' prevailed, and the LSG Management Team decided on a much safer European 'name fighter' by taking on veteran Willi Besmanoff. The general consensus was, 'INGO" would have taken Cassius' head clean-off his body, and sent it into the direction of the Ohio River from the Freedom Hall State Fairgrounds Arena in Louisville, Kentucky.
Yes because it was later proven ali had a glass jaw. Old cassius must have really hurt you pepe. You remind me of that pshyco of of ace ventura pet detective. I bet you throw darts at pictures of him on your bedroom wall. Come on we understand, open up to us! Its good to talk
Willi Besmanoff A 5' 11" - 190 lb. puncher-plodder, who was at one-time a durable tough-guy. By the end of 1955, the 23 year-old Willi was regarded as a decent Heavyweight, with some promise, while compiling a record of 24-6-7 (11 KO's) on the 'small boxing club circuit' Starting in January 1956 thru April 1957, Willi won '13' straight bouts, improving his record to 37-6-7 (15 KO's). The 24 1/2 year-old Willi was now rated as the #8 Heavyweight, and was getting some attention as a possible Heavyweight Championship Challenger for 1957. But, Willi 'hit the proverbial wall', and over his next '28-bouts' during the next 4 1/2 years, the German went a 'dismal' 7-21-0 (1 KO). His 'only' KO Victory, a cut-eye win over 'none other than' Alex Miteff. Willi, who at one time prided himself by coming into a fight at a trim-and-ready 190 lbs., was now a slow 205 lb. plodder, with a 'there to be hit' name tag. Coming into his bout with Cassius Clay at the Freedom Hall State Fairgrounds in Louisville, Kentucky - the 29 1/2 year-old Besmanoff carried a 44-27-7 (16 KO's) record, and was considered a 'super safe opponent'. This content is protected
Bill B, This was 'actually' a legitimate bout. Willi Besmanoff was not a 'dangerous opponent', and at this time in his career Willi was 'labeled' a 'Tomato Can' or 'Punching Bag'. The Skinny, Willi will give your boy a good workout for 4 or 5 Rounds, then come apart. In Round 5, Willi was having a hard time moving, and appeared to be ready to go at any moment. But Cassius 'would not' or 'could not' put him away. Earlier, Cassius had predicted a 7th Round Knockout, as this led some to believe that he was carrying Willi, before making true on his prediction. Willi Besmanoff had no defense, had no punch, and had no chance. This content is protected
The general consensus was also that Liston would take Ali's head clean off as well. What happened to the general consensus when your favorite fighter showed up?
Yes Sister,,,,,,, Clay had 'zero' chance versus INGO, it was just a ploy to use his name, to make Clay look like a real tough guy. A far cry, from INGO to Wiili. Willi Besmanoff was coming of a 90-Day suspension, after getting knocked out by Alejandro Lavorante 91-days earlier.
I don't know what the exact point is of making so much of the fact that the teenage Ali, with only a handful of fights, was fighting fading trial horses to build his name and record. What would you expect?
Following the 'victory' over the shopworn trial horse, Cassius Clay was asked who woud he like to fight next. 'Well, maybe Archie Moore or Howard King. They're each experienced fighters, so maybe I could learn a few things while I'm in there winning.'
