Mike Weaver v. Carl Williams

Well, I did say "in hindsight" in my first sentence. I probably wasn't clear enough. I agree, it wasn't until Ferguson AND Weaver had done it that the left hook in particular was noted as a problem, as well as shaky whiskers.

But, yes, I can correct you, because James Tillis dropped Williams TWICE in the opening round of their fight, and seemed to have him badly hurt.
Probably suggested to Holmes he'd be a soft touch for a challenger.

So, prior to facing Weaver, Williams had 18 professional fights, the only notable opponents being Tillis, Holmes and then Ferguson.
He'd done exceptionally well against Holmes, but Tillis and Ferguson had him in trouble.
Weaver was a better puncher, a proven KO puncher, than those guys.

(and, arguably, prime for prime, Weaver didn't look a fair notch below Holmes at all, if we're honest, having seen the 1979 fight)


All credit to Carl Williams for taking on such a tough customer as Weaver. And 16 months later when he eventually came back, he was matched with Bert Cooper, who then an up-and-comer and was riding high of a destructive KO against Willie DeWit !
Williams took a lot of tough fights, and for a guy with shaky chin, didn't duck the big hitters. I give him his dues for that.

 

[url]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suC3q6ju28U[/url]

Williams v Tillis.
Worth a look. :good

 

I'm not completely sure Weaver was playing possum, there's infinite examples of fighters dropping the bomb when their opponent is going for broke or has them hurt. In the case of big punchers this can often result in a spectacular KO or turning of events.

Larry Holmes often (not every time tho) threw back hard punches when in trouble. Gotta love it, some of boxings most spectacular KO's are produced from fighters in trouble or even on the brink of going.