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

[Bill Paxtom]

October 23, 1962

Sam Houston Coliseum ~ Houston, Texas

Cleveland Williams ~ 53-4-1 {44 KO's} ~ 6' 3" ~ 209 lbs. ~ {Age; 29 years, 4 months}
vs.
Dave Bailey ~ 16-7-2 {11 KO's} ~ 6' 1 1/2" ~ 206 lbs. ~ {Age; 29 years, 9 months}

For a special guest appearance, 'new' Heavyweight Champion ~ Sonny Liston would be the Referee.

Dave 'KO' Bailey was a hard-punching Journeyman/Trial Horse from Philadelphia who brought along
a good right-hand. Dave was also, a primary sparring partner for young upstart Cassius Clay, and
also for Sonny Liston.

Dave was sent in as a 'fill-in' for Cassius who had 'Chickened Out' of this bout. Dave was also supposed
to 'test' the 'Big Cat' for a futrue bout with Cassius.

Dave had been 'unbeaten' since March 21, 1960 {2 years, 7 months}, and was riding a 5-Bout winning
streak.