He was a sparring partner for Ali until he was fired. He was also a top ten heavy in the mid 70's. According to Holmes he was one of the most feared,avoided and best HW of that time.
He was a large heavyweight at about 6'5". He also hit like a truck from what I've heard people say, but I've never personally seen him fight. I looked at his record on Boxrec. I didn't see too many names in his win column that rang a bell.
I think that the conflict with Ali happened after Williams accused Ali of owing him money and got threatening. They took it in the ring and it was a brawl, with Roy talking smack to Ali the whole time... Ali paid him what he owed him. He was reportedly moody and had stamina problems but was a rough Philly gym fighter. Williams fought and lost to Shavers and Holmes but beat a green Jimmy Young. The Shavers fight was warfare -especially the 9th round. Warfare. Ali had told Shavers that if he can beat Williams, he would get a title shot. He went to prison in PA for robbing someone and then beating them to death with a brick.
