Carl Williams (boxer)
Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Template wrapper".Script error: No such module "Check for clobbered parameters". Carl Williams (November 11, 1959 – April 7, 2013), nicknamed "the Truth", was an American boxer who competed as a professional from 1982 to 1997. He challenged twice for heavyweight world titles; the IBF title against Larry Holmes in 1985; and the undisputed title against Mike Tyson in 1989. At regional level he held the USBA heavyweight title from 1987 to 1991.
Early years
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"I've been fighting all my life. It was just a matter of deciding I wanted to pursue it in the ring instead of on the street,"
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Williams spent his childhood in South Jamaica, Queens. He was raised by his grandmother. After his grandmother died, Williams began to box at the age of nineteen, training with the Daniel M. O'Connell Park Gym in Saint Albans, New York (also known as the New York City Recreations O'Connell Center), walking six miles (9.65 km) to his gym and back each day,Script error: No such module "Unsubst". and showing a natural talent and determination.[2] "He's a natural, no question about that," said his trainer, Vic Hanson.[1]
Amateur career
With a couple of amateur fights under his belt Williams won two New York Golden Gloves Championships. Williams won both the 1980 New York Golden Gloves Sub-Novice Heavyweight Championship and the 1981 Heavyweight Open Championship.
Highlights
- Williams stopped (RSC 2) John Kibelka of the New York City Recreation in the finals of the 1980 Sub-Novice Heavyweight Championship.
- Three knockouts and one decision propelled Williams into the 1981 Golden Gloves.[3] In 1981 Williams stopped (RSC-2) Ronald Turner of the 25th Precinct in the heavyweight finals of the 55th New York Golden Gloves at 2:08.[3][4]
- Williams won the heavyweight Intercity Golden Gloves over Craig Bodzianowski of Chicago, April 27, 1981 at the Madison Square Garden.[5] "punching like a cruise missile," in words of sports writer Tom Hanrahan[6]
At that time he wanted to fight the '81 open champ, Mitch Green from Bronx, who has since turned pro.[3]
His other notable achievements include:
File:Gold medal icon.svg Gold at the North American Championships (201 lbs), Shreveport, Louisiana, September 1981:[7]
- 1/2: Defeated Patrick Fennel (Canada) RSC 3 (the fight was halted after a physician examined a cut over Fennell's eye and ruled he was too badly hurt to continue[8])Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
- Finals: Defeated Roberto Gomez (Cuba)
File:Gold medal icon.svg Gold at the Boxing World Cup (201 lbs), Montreal, Canada, November 1981:
- 1/2: Defeated Nam Hee Kim (South Korea) KO 1
- Finals: Defeated Alexander Yagubkin (Soviet Union) by unanimous decision, 5–0
Williams finished his amateur career with 22 fights, completing a record of 21–1.[9]
Professional career
Williams soon turned pro, signing a contract with Ron Katz of the Top Rank. After the initial successes, he moved to a suburban motel in White Plains, New York, in order to concentrate on training and to stay away from big-city temptations. He was trained by Carmen Graziano.[10][11]
Williams' is perhaps best known for his memorable first title shot was against Larry Holmes, a fight he lost in a controversial decision. His next fight was a victory against Jesse Ferguson. He then suffered a devastating knockout loss to Mike Weaver, which took him sixteen months to regain his shape and get back to the ring.
Williams eventually fought Mike Tyson (whom he first faced in sparring sessions, August 1, 1983, with a professional record 11–0),[12] in a battle for the undisputed heavyweight championship. The first round knockout loss to Tyson in 1989 was a devastating defeat for Williams. Midway through the round, Tyson slipped a jab from Williams and loaded up with one of the most devastating counter-punches of his career, smashing Williams and sending him down for an eight count. The referee waved off the fight and Williams immediately launched a mild protest to the official and ringside judges but to no avail. He believed that the fight was stopped too early and he was not given more of an opportunity to demonstrate to the official that he was not disoriented after the knock-down. In a post fight in-ring interview, Williams appeared to be uninjured, spoke clearly, and expressed his disappointment that he was not given the opportunity to "show my stuff." Williams also called for a rematch, however this never occurred.
After the defeat by Tyson, Williams became a journeyman heavyweight. His other notable fights include losses to Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon, Tommy Morrison, and Frank Bruno, and wins against Bert Cooper and Trevor Berbick.
Williams retired in 1997 with a professional record of 30–10–0–1 with 21 knockouts.
After retirement
Williams worked for Allied-SpectaGuard in New York City at the World Trade Center as a security agent and field supervisor. After the September 11 attacks, Williams worked for Verizon in Queens, New York, as a security guard. Later he worked for Forte Security Group in New York City, as a security guard at the Copacabana and Marquee nightclubs until he became ill.
Death
Williams died on April 7, 2013, of esophageal cancer. He was survived by a daughter, Carla, and a son, Daniel. He was predeceased by his 12-year-old daughter Nijah, who died of leukemia.[13]
References in popular culture
Williams was the inspiration for a parody character on the Fox program In Living Color, Carl "The Tooth" Williams, portrayed by Jamie Foxx, a boxer so named because he only had one tooth. Williams would live his everyday life in his boxing apparel, making all appearances while singing the opening line to "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang."
Professional boxing record
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | Loss | 30–10 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Anthony Green | TKO | 7 (8) | Oct 30, 1997 | Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 40 | Win | 30–9 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Marion Wilson | UD | 10 | Jun 13, 1997 | Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 39 | Win | 29–9 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Domingo Monroe | PTS | 8 | Nov 27, 1996 | Whitman Armory, Whitman, Massachusetts, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 38 | Win | 28–9 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Lou Turchiarelli | TKO | 2 (12), 2:15Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Aug 2, 1996 | Huntington Hilton Hotel, Melville, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 37 | Win | 27–9 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Sean Hart | DQ | 3 (10) | May 31, 1996 | Hilton Rye Town Hotel, Rye Brook, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 36 | Loss | 26–9 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Melvin Foster | UD | 10 | Mar 17, 1995 | Fernwood Resort, Bushkill, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 35 | Loss | 26–8 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Alexandr Zolkin | TKO | 7 (10), 2:55Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jul 22, 1994 | Southern Belle Casino, Tunica Resorts, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Referee stopped the bout at 2:55 of the seventh round.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 34 | Loss | 26–7 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Frank Bruno | TKO | 10 (10), 0:29Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Apr 24, 1993 | National Exhibition Centre, Solihull, EnglandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 33 | Loss | 26–6 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Tommy Morrison | TKO | 8 (10), 2:10Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jan 16, 1993 | Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 32 | Win | 26–5 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jimmy Lee Smith | TKO | 3 (10), 2:59Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 3, 1992 | Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 31 | Win | 25–5 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Ossie Ocasio | UD | 10 | Aug 20, 1992 | Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 30 | Loss | 24–5 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jerry Jones | UD | 10 | Mar 22, 1992 | Harrah's Marina Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 29 | Win | 24–4 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Marshall Tillman | TKO | 2 (10), 2:37Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jan 12, 1992 | Harrah's Marina Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 28 | NC | 23–4 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Kimmuel Odum | NC | 10 | Oct 15, 1991 | Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Originally a UD win for Williams, later ruled an NC for unknown reasonsScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 27 | Loss | 23–4 | Tim Witherspoon | SD | 12 | Mar 8, 1991 | Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Lost USBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 26 | Win | 23–3 | Melton Bowen | TKO | 5 (12), 2:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jul 24, 1990 | Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained USBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 25 | Loss | 22–3 | Mike Tyson | TKO | 1 (12), 1:33Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jul 21, 1989 | Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | For WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 24 | Win | 22–2 | Mike Rouse | TKO | 3 (12), 1:20Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Nov 10, 1988 | Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained USBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 23 | Win | 21–2 | Trevor Berbick | UD | 12 | Jun 27, 1988 | Convention Center, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained USBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 22 | Win | 20–2 | Rodney Frazier | TKO | 1 (12), 2:56Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jan 27, 1988 | Golden Hall, San Diego, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Retained USBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 21 | Win | 19–2 | Mike Gans | TKO | 7 (10), 0:41Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Oct 17, 1987 | Harrah's Marina Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 20 | Win | 18–2 | Bert Cooper | RTD | 7 (12), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jun 21, 1987 | Resorts International, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Won USBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 19 | Loss | 17–2 | Mike Weaver | TKO | 2 (10), 2:37Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Feb 16, 1986 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 18 | Win | 17–1 | Jesse Ferguson | TKO | 10 (10), 0:37Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Aug 31, 1985 | Atlantis Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 17 | Loss | 16–1 | Larry Holmes | UD | 15 | May 20, 1985 | Lawlor Events Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | For IBF and The Ring heavyweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
| 16 | Win | 16–0 | James Tillis | UD | 10 | Oct 23, 1984 | Atlantis Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 15 | Win | 15–0 | Terry Mims | TKO | 3 (10), 2:14Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Aug 9, 1984 | Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 14 | Win | 14–0 | Lou Benson Jr. | RTD | 2 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Mar 7, 1984 | Westchester County Center, White Plains, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 13 | Win | 13–0 | Percell Davis | TKO | 4 (10), 2:20Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Sep 9, 1983 | Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 12 | Win | 12–0 | Woody Clark | UD | 10 | Aug 16, 1983 | Playboy Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 11 | Win | 11–0 | David Jaco | RTD | 1 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jun 30, 1983 | Sands, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 10 | Win | 10–0 | Robert Hill | TKO | 3 (8), 2:15Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Apr 24, 1983 | Showboat Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 9 | Win | 9–0 | Richard Cade | TKO | 1 (8), 2:59Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Feb 18, 1983 | Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 8 | Win | 8–0 | Leroy Boone | UD | 8 | Dec 9, 1982 | Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 7 | Win | 7–0 | Michael Greer | TKO | 3 (8), 2:13Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Oct 22, 1982 | Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 6 | Win | 6–0 | David Starkey | TKO | 3 (8), 2:57Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Aug 20, 1982 | Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 5 | Win | 5–0 | Barry Funches | TKO | 6 (6), 2:40Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Jun 11, 1982 | Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 4 | Win | 4–0 | Donny Townsend | KO | 1 (6), 1:29Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | May 28, 1982 | Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 3 | Win | 3–0 | Louis Alexander | TKO | 2 (6), 2:24Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Apr 30, 1982 | Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 2 | Win | 2–0 | Dwight Triplett | TKO | 1 (6), 2:52Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | Mar 31, 1982 | Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". | |
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | Greg Stephany | UD | 4 | Jan 22, 1982 | Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". |
References
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- ↑ a b In this corner, a new heavy contender... by Tom Hanrahan, Daily News from New York, March 7, 1980, p. 177.
- ↑ Mike Tyson vs Carl Williams - ENTIRE HBO PROGRAM
- ↑ a b c Williams issuing stern warning to Bodzianowski, By Tom Hanrahan, Daily News from New York, April 5, 1981, p. 97.
- ↑ Williams Wins Heavyweight Final. The New York Times, March 21, 1981.
- ↑ New York Wins 9 of 11 Bouts. The New York Times, April 28, 1981.
- ↑ A tale of two Golden cities, By Tom Hanrahan, Daily News from New York, April 26, 1981, p. 95.
- ↑ American boxers scored four wins in four outings. UPI, September 24, 1981.
- ↑ American boxers triumph, Biddeford Journal Tribune, September 24, 1981, p. 15.
- ↑ Carl Williams Amateur Record at the BoxingRecords. Last updated : April 12, 2006.
- ↑ Carl ‘The Truth’ Williams was as skilled a heavyweight as any that ever stepped into the ring by Tim Smith, New York Daily News, April 12, 2013.
- ↑ Carl 'The Truth' Williams: Boxer who fought Mike Tyson and Larry Holmes by Steve Bunce, The Independent, 17 April 2013.
- ↑ Mike Tyson - Most Brutal Boxing Sparring Wars
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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