The Greatest Heavyweight Golden Era Boxer: Ali vs. Williams—Who had the Best Chance of Victory?

The heavyweight boxing golden era, particularly the 1960s, produced some of the greatest fighters in the sport's history. Among these legends, Muhammad Ali stands out, not just for his championship wins but also for his dominance during his prime. Interestingly, the story of the 1966 Ali vs. Cleveland Williams bout brings to light the question: which heavyweight champion of the era had the best chance of defeating the Ali who dominated the ring during the 1960s?

Williams’s Deserved Reputation

While the title bout between Ali and Cleveland Williams did not fit the usual criteria for a contender, it is essential to acknowledge Williams's significant achievements. Having served a prison sentence and recovering from gunshot wounds, Williams made a comeback. However, this comeback did not land him in ideal conditions for a title shot since his previous opponents were far from formidable.

Williams fought 4 opponents before getting his title shot, and their records paint a picture of why his path to the championship was remarkable. His opponents, Ben Black, Mel Turnbow, Sonny Moore, and Tod Herring, offered very little resistance. This suggests that Williams went into the title fight with much less preparation than a typical opponent would have.

Ali’s Resurgence and Dominance

Against the backdrop of Williams's journey, Muhammad Ali's transition from a defensive and sloppy boxer, as seen in his fights against Cooper and Jones, highlights the reasons why many question the potential outcome of the Ali vs. Williams bout.

By the time Ali faced Williams, he had transformed into a more dominant and focused fighter. Ali's body had filled out, and his movements on the ring were incomparable. His head movements, feints, and superb radar made him nearly unbeatable in his prime. At this point, Ali's performances suggested that he was not just a top champion but one of the best heavyweights in history, with the potential to rank among the top three pound-for-pound fighters ever witnessed.

Cleveland Williams: A Forgotten Champion

Cleveland Williams was a tenacious and resilient boxer. In my personal opinion, if Ali had not dominated the heavyweight scene during the 1960s, Williams, particularly his early form, would have had a very strong chance of becoming a world champion. Beyond just facing Sonny Liston, Williams demonstrated similar fighting qualities that could have seen him triumph over other notables, such as Ernie Terrell. If the fight between Ali and Williams had taken place five years earlier, Williams would have had a great chance of overcoming him, given his earlier form and the high quality of his opponents.

Williams's legacy is often overshadowed by his loss to Ali in 1966, but he fought bravely and effectively. His journey back to the sport and his numerous bouts against lesser opponents highlight his dedication and the respect he earned in the boxing community.

Conclusion

While it is undoubtedly true that Muhammad Ali's reign as a heavyweight champion was one of the most dominant in boxing history, the fight between Ali and Cleveland Williams presents a different narrative. Williams's comeback and the quality of his opponents certainly cast doubt on the idea of Williams being an easy target. If the fight had occurred in a different era, the question of whether Williams would have been able to defeat Ali remains a fascinating one.

In conclusion, Ali is undeniably one of the greatest boxers of all time, but the story of Cleveland Williams and the circumstances that led to his title bout with Ali offer intriguing insights into the dynamics of heavyweight boxing during the golden era.