Muhammad Ali vs Cleveland Williams

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Il Duce, Jan 13, 2011.


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  1. Il Duce

    Il Duce Boxing Addict Full Member

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    That I believe,,,,,,,,,,,,,

    When Cleveland Williams came back in February 1966, his manager Hugh 'Bimbo' Benbow
    put him in with 'Big Ben' Black, (6' 3" and 233 lbs.)
    Ben Black was the 1962 National Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion.
    Though his complete record was never posted, Ben Black was 12-1-1 (11 KO's), and had a reputation for having a good right hand.
    Though, in his previous bout, Black had lost to Lou Bailey (12-23-5).

    Ben Black was also managed by Hugh Benbow.
    Needless to say, Ben Black went after Cleveland as soon as the bell rang for the
    1st Round, and nailed him with a big right hand.

    Several right hands later, and Cleveland was in big trouble and ready to go.
    But he whipped a viscous left hook out of nowhere that landed square on Ben Blacks chin, and Black went down like a rock.
    Cleveland Williams KO 1 Ben Black

    Note: Cleveland Williams later found out that his own manager (Hugh Benbow) told Ben Black (also managed by Hugh Benbow) to go after the knock out in the First Round.
    Benbow had told Cleveland Williams to lay low in the First Round, and take it easy.

    Note; It appeared, that Hugh Benbow wanted Cleveland Williams out of the way, so he could promote his new
    fighter Ben Black.

    Nice guy that Hugh 'Bimbo' Benbow,,,,,,,,,,,
     
    Il Duce, Jan 13, 2011
    Il Duce, Jan 13, 2011
    #16
  2. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

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    I think he should, and his license - at least until he passes medical tests, then have to prove himself in a series of fights to see if he should be re-instated as a contender.
    Otherwise it's just silly, and very unsafe.

    They say, "you're as good as your last fight". But you're clearly not, if you've been shot with a .357 magnum in the meantime.
     
    Unforgiven, Jan 13, 2011
    Unforgiven, Jan 13, 2011
    #17
  3. MRBILL

    MRBILL Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Yes. the fight of 1966 in Texas was legit and so was Cleveland Williams. "Big Clever" was shot in '64 by some redneck copper with an itchy finger at point blank range, but due to Williams' incredible physical condition and strength, Williams hung on and survived the shooting. His weight went from 212 pounds down to the 140s during his recovery stage, However, by 1966 he had re-built himself back up to a solid and fit 212 pounds and was strong as an Ox when he faced Ali in the Astrodome. If anything hindered Cleveland Williams against Ali it was the 33 yrs of age and the fact that C.W. was never known for speed...

    Simple, Ali at age 24 was just too fast and primed for the fading / aging Williams in 1966... WORD!

    MR.BILL:deal:bbb
     
    MRBILL, Jan 13, 2011
    MRBILL, Jan 13, 2011
    #18
  4. Il Duce

    Il Duce Boxing Addict Full Member

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    MR. BILL,

    Cleveland Williams did make a remarkable recovery in only 16-months, but he was nowhere near the fighter he was from 1960 thru 1964.

    He still had the big left hook, but,,,he was shaky in all 4-comeback fights.
    And the Ali fight was a disaster.
     
    Il Duce, Jan 13, 2011
    Il Duce, Jan 13, 2011
    #19
  5. Longhhorn71

    Longhhorn71 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    The Texans in the boxing business knew Williams had virtually no chance against Ali.

    But it was Williams one-shot at the title, so he took it.

    Image if Ali had been gut-shot with a 357 magnum and almost died, and was fighting a year or so later.
     
    Longhhorn71, Jan 13, 2011
    Longhhorn71, Jan 13, 2011
    #20
  6. darling dame

    darling dame Active Member Full Member

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    Cleveland still had a punchers chance. his fight with Tod herring was tough these fights MADE Ali.
     
    darling dame, Jan 14, 2011
    darling dame, Jan 14, 2011
    #21
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