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

[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,