Cleveland "Big Cat" Williams was an American professional boxer.
14 Facts About Cleveland Williams
1.
2.
Cleveland Williams reported winning four of his first six fights, but was barred from competing until he turned 18 after an official learned of his age.
3.
Cleveland Williams turned professional in 1951 and fought many of the best heavyweights of his era.
4.
Cleveland Williams recovered from the Liston fight to score more wins, but was again stopped by Liston in two rounds in their rematch on March 21,1960.
5.
Cleveland Williams underwent four operations over the subsequent seven months to address injuries to his colon and right kidney.
6.
Cleveland Williams regained his weight and strength by tossing 80-pound bales of hay daily on a cattle ranch till he had regained his fighting weight and physique.
7.
On February 8,1966, Cleveland Williams received a standing ovation from the Houston crowd as he returned to the ring, and knocked out Ben Black in the first round.
8.
Cleveland Williams competed for the heavyweight championship against Muhammad Ali on November 14,1966, but was badly outclassed, and was knocked down twice in the third round ending the match.
9.
Cleveland Williams retired from boxing after the 1966 Championship defeat, but later made a comeback.
10.
On September 3,1999, Cleveland Williams was knocked down by a car in a hit and run while walking across a street in Houston, Texas; he died of his injuries at Ben Taub Hospital on September 10,1999, at the age of 66.
11.
Cleveland Williams ended his career with a record of 82 wins, 13 losses and 2 draws.
12.
George Chuvalo said Cleveland Williams was one of the hardest punchers he had faced in his own professional career.
13.
Sonny Liston stated Cleveland Williams was the hardest puncher he'd ever been in the ring with.
14.
In 2003 Cleveland Williams was ranked 49th in The Rings list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.