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

[Bill Paxtom]

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.

[Master]

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.

[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, 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,

[orangeclock]

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?