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

[Bill Paxtom]

The Fight

Sam Houston Coliseum ~ Houston, Texas

Attendance ........ { 5130 }

A dull and listless bout over the first 3-Rounds.

World-ranked #5 Cleveland Williams {209 lbs.} was content to slowly stalk, as Dave Bailey {205 lbs.} jabbed lightly and moved to his left.

Cleveland was looking to drop in a left-hook, while Dave was looking to throw an overhand right.

Late in Round 3, the crowd of 5130 started to boo the lack of action. Referee - Sonny Liston stepped in and told both fighters to pick up
the pace. Neither did.

In Round 4, Cleveland started off aggressively, but after 30-Seconds of flailing, he backed off. Dave rallied briefly at the {0:50 Mark}, but
quickly went to defense and hold.

The crowd barked some obscenities, as neither fighter looked sharp.

At the end of Round 4, Sonny went over to Cleveland Williams corner and told him to > "Step it up and get this thing over."

In Round 5, Cleveland came out more aggressively, and early in the Round he scored with hard right-hand that shook Dave. Cleveland
added in a 'left-right' to the face, and Dave reeled a bit. Cleveland then backed Dave up, while landing solid left-hands throughout
the Round.

Late in the Round, Cleveland landed a sharp 'left-right' to the head that had Dave reeling a bit. Dave then backed up towards the
Corner as Cleveland stalked. Cleveland then slammed in a hard 'looping' left-hook to the nose that dropped Dave in a heap at the
{2:45 Mark}.

Referee - Sonny Liston counted out Dave Bailey at {2:56} of Round 5.

Cleveland Williams >
It was hard to get motivated for this fight. Dave was a 'substitute', and he did not present a tough enough challenge. He jabbed,
grabbed and moved for 4 1/2 Rounds. I knew that I would catch him eventually. I know the fans are not happy, but this is what
happens sometimes."