BoxRec

When I looked at the Ring Magazine 100 Greatest Puncher it said that Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams' best punch was his right hand, but the announcers in the film of his fight said his best punch was his left hook who was right?

defintley his left hook

left hook for sure

He could bang with either claw......but his best work seemed to have been done with his left hook.

Then the Ring Magazine made a mistake for Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams' best punch.

Cock slap?

He could bang with either hand really... great hand speed too...

He is a hard guy to rate. He was unable to get many fights against the best fighters of his era, but when he did, was unable to win. He lost to Liston twice, drew with Machen, won & lost to Terrell, lost to Ali & to Chuvalo late in his career. A win over Ernie Terrell was the hi-lite of his career. I think he was a step below the best of his era, but always had that punchers chance. How would he have done against Patterson, Johannson, Folley, Cooper or Roy Harris? Williams- Harris would have been a natural for the state title.

bill.lockhart wrote:He is a hard guy to rate. He was unable to get many fights against the best fighters of his era, but when he did, was unable to win. He lost to Liston twice, drew with Machen, won & lost to Terrell, lost to Ali & to Chuvalo late in his career. A win over Ernie Terrell was the hi-lite of his career. I think he was a step below the best of his era, but always had that punchers chance. How would he have done against Patterson, Johannson, Folley, Cooper or Roy Harris? Williams- Harris would have been a natural for the state title.

Pretty good summary. I think he was a very good HW, but seems to be over rated by many on this forum. He just didn’t have the resume.

The Great John L wrote:

bill.lockhart wrote:He is a hard guy to rate. He was unable to get many fights against the best fighters of his era, but when he did, was unable to win. He lost to Liston twice, drew with Machen, won & lost to Terrell, lost to Ali & to Chuvalo late in his career. A win over Ernie Terrell was the hi-lite of his career. I think he was a step below the best of his era, but always had that punchers chance. How would he have done against Patterson, Johannson, Folley, Cooper or Roy Harris? Williams- Harris would have been a natural for the state title.

Pretty good summary. I think he was a very good HW, but seems to be over rated by many on this forum. He just didn’t have the resume.

disagree,



the reason he didnt have the resume is because he was highly avoided by the top contenders in his prime. no one wanted to fight him. kinda the same with elmer ray during the mid 1940s.

had more top contenders fought cleveland williams, he would have a much better resume. its not his fault they avoided him, he was too dangerous

bill.lockhart wrote:He is a hard guy to rate. He was unable to get many fights against the best fighters of his era, but when he did, was unable to win. He lost to Liston twice, drew with Machen, won & lost to Terrell, lost to Ali & to Chuvalo late in his career. A win over Ernie Terrell was the hi-lite of his career. I think he was a step below the best of his era, but always had that punchers chance. How would he have done against Patterson, Johannson, Folley, Cooper or Roy Harris? Williams- Harris would have been a natural for the state title.

I'm probably one guilty of over rating him. I think he beats all of the guys you mention: Patterson, Johannson, Folley, Cooper or Roy Harris.

I don't see it as bad that he lost to Liston.

What I wouldn't give for Cleveland Williams to be among todays heavyweights instead of the 60s'

Sad , the way Williams life ended.

expug wrote:Sad , the way Williams life ended.

Had the pleasure of meeting him and seeing him inducted into the World Boxing HOF here in LA. Nice to see such a quiet and humble man get recognition late in life. He semed very moved.

That had to have been an honor. Williams seemed like a guy who carried himself with dignity.