Cassius Clay 'Chickened Out' in fighting Cleveland Williams in 1962.

1962

The paperwork was signed by Cleveland 'Big Cat' Williams.

The 'Williams Team' were even willing to fight for less money.

But the LSG Team {Cassius Clay Management Team} decided that they may have bitten off more than Cassius could chew.

A 'stubbed toe' was the excuse to get out of the fight.

You may be right, but Ali went after Williams in a big way when they did fight.
The thing I remember most about that fight was Ali taunting Cleveland from beginning to end and the way Williams' arms were flailing around around when he went down. It was a dominate performance by Ali and one he was proud of.
I liked Ali in the very beginning but have hated him for at least fifty years. The hatred I feel for the prick has never once made me doubt his courage.

Well Said,

But it has been stated by the experts, that it wasn't courage that Muhammad had, but more
of a thick skull.

Thicker than most athlete's.

You have a very thick skull yourself Bill. Nothing seems to get into it except Ali for some reason.

Cleveland Williams

I nearly had Cassius in the Ring. We were supposed to fight on October 23, 1962.

But he and his management came up with some 'weak excuse' to get out of fighting.
They had to pay me $5000 for pulling out, and to release him out of his contract.

Instead, I fought one of his sparring-partners 'Philly' Dave Bailey.

Man, did I want Clay.

Williams got beat by Cassius eventually, so what is the story here. That Williams would have won in 62? You are insane.

I think Sonny had a better case if their rematch was not cancelled. people were saying Sonny looked dangerous and was ready to beat Ali.

Cleveland Williams

October 1962

Cleveland Williams {Age; 29 years, 4 months} at 6' 3" and 209 lbs. was the #4 Heavyweight.

No doubt that the 'Big Cat' was at his best, and was under 'new' management with Bud Adams
and Hugh Benbow. Both were 'very rich' Houston Businessman.

As Cleveland stated,

I had no worries about finances, and the Training Group I had was 'top notch' with Billy Gore
in charge. That alone is 75% of your Boxing Game.

In mid-September 1962 they {LSG} signed an agreement for Cassius to fight me. We were both
supposed to get $35,000.

We were supposed to fight at the Sam Houston Coliseum on October 23rd. But the LSG got real
worried, as they had heard I was looking real sharp in Houston.

Next thing I know, Cassius 'stubbed' his toe and had to pullout. They gave me $5000 for his release
to fight me. Next thing I know, he signs to fight that 'Ancient Old Man' Archie Moore for a
November 15th date at the Sports Arena in Los Angeles.

They 'hoodwinked' me,

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bill Paxtom

Cleveland Williams

October 1962

Cleveland Williams {Age; 29 years, 4 months} at 6' 3" and 209 lbs. was the #4 Heavyweight.

No doubt that the 'Big Cat' was at his best, and was under 'new' management with Bud Adams
and Hugh Benbow. Both were 'very rich' Houston Businessman.

As Cleveland stated,

I had no worries about finances, and the Training Group I had was 'top notch' with Billy Gore
in charge. That alone is 75% of your Boxing Game.

In mid-September 1962 they {LSG} signed an agreement for Cassius to fight me. We were both
supposed to get $35,000.

We were supposed to fight at the Sam Houston Coliseum on October 23rd. But the LSG got real
worried, as they had heard I was looking real sharp in Houston.

Next thing I know, Cassis 'stubbed' his toe and had to pullout. They gave me $5000 for his release
to fight me. Next thing I know, he signs to fight that the 'Ancient Old Man' Archie Moore for a
November 15th date at the Sports Arena in Los Angeles.

They 'hoodwinked' me,

---

are you a old time heavyweight fighter?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by beenKOed

You may be right, but Ali went after Williams in a big way when they did fight.
The thing I remember most about that fight was Ali taunting Cleveland from beginning to end and the way Williams' arms were flailing around around when he went down. It was a dominate performance by Ali and one he was proud of.
I liked Ali in the very beginning but have hated him for at least fifty years. The hatred I feel for the prick has never once made me doubt his courage.

---

Why the hate?

No Hate

Just explaining a 'Manufactured Fighter' who had a little Chicken in him.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bill Paxtom

No Hate

Just explaining a 'Manufactured Fighter' who had a little Chicken in him.

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Yes and he went on fight nothing but bums, right?

.......

Exactly.

Ignore it and it will go away.

October 1962

Who would be a 'tougher' opponent for Cassius Clay.

Cleveland 'Big Cat' Williams or 'Ancient Old' Archie Moore.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bill Paxtom

October 1962

Who would be a 'tougher' opponent for Cassius Clay.

Cleveland 'Big Cat' Williams or 'Ancient Old' Archie Moore.

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Neither because Ali would have and did beat them anyway.

Cleveland Williams was a great puncher.