Carl 'The Truth' Williams Documentary - 1980s Heavyweight Contender

A look back at the life and career of Carl 'The Truth' Williams, two-time challenger for the heavyweight crown.

[@MrAtomicBulldog]

I was the guy who interviewed Carl for Ringside Report in 2008, where he uttered the quote used at the close of this fine segment. Carl and I talked for hours, well beyond the posted interview. He literally thanked me for remembering him from his glory days. He was a genuine man with empathy and a warm spirit. I thank God that I had the opportunity to connect with him.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

That was a great interview, Michael. Thanks for posting that.

[@serenityinside1]

you're very lucky sir. He seemed an intelligent thoughtful man. Came from a terrible start truly, yet the complete opposite of Tyson in behaviour etc.

[@tarstarkusz]

He was a decent fighter, but destined to be a journeyman. Though, I thought Holmes was gifted the win. Carl Williams did defeat him. The funny thing is, he got the gift against Carl Williams, but was robbed with Spinks.

[@bb-gc2tx]

@@tarstarkusz people forget that the ibf was a new federation when they put the title on holmes i think they wanted keep title on holmes as long as possible so they could establish their credibility

[@woflmanjoe642]

Another gem. Williams was one of those fighters who had all of the physical attributes you look for in a heavyweight; but lost focus and never really got back on track. I didn't know about him helping with the clean up after 9/11; and, honestly, it makes me wonder about his death from throat cancer. A lot of responders to that tragedy and those who helped in the clean-up came down with some serious illness afterwards. Makes me wonder if that was the indirect (or direct) cause. Anyway, thank you for another great look-back at a really good fighter.

[@patrickkirwan3353]

There was a lot of asbestos dust in the air after 9/11, it probably did'nt help. When you breathe azzy dust in, most of it gets caught in your throat. I agree Williams was a fine fighter man!

[@mozfonky]

that's my first thought, lots of people on ground zero died from some sort of cancer after helping there. People really paid with their lives to help strangers.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, WolfmanJoe. I thought the same thing about his throat cancer.

[@serenityinside1]

I read in his obituary at the time this is given as the contributing factor to his death ie no doubt or whatever about it.

[@mozfonky]

@@serenityinside1 I'd believe that. Lots of the heavyweights of the 80s and 90's have passed on, it always make me think how it doesn't seem that long ago.

[@cycletouringoz5760]

Whatever went on beyond the Holmes fight…….. The Holmes fight showed how good a peak Carl Williams was RIP Carl “The Truth” Williams A real Gentleman by all accounts Great stuff as usual RTFH 🥊🥊💥💥🥊🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, CTO.

[@lawrencegray476]

THE TRUTH IS HOLMES LOST

[@Ken_Frazer-619]

He should've been champion at least once

[@serenityinside1]

If he's learned to keep his right hand up to block those left hooks which were his Achilles heel + downfall. well he probably would have been !

[@daweilee1986]

The only documentary ever made on Carl the truth Williams. Always brilliant.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Dawei

[@hollywoodjoe123]

There should be more information on CARL THE TRUTH WILLIAMS - HE AS A GREAT BOXER - WIN OR LOSE !

[@paulhaig2467]

What a talented boxer/athlete he was. thanks Rich for the memories.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Paul.

[@mdmcdd1117]

Williams needed a trainer like Stewart to show him how to fight tall and shield a suspect chin like he did Lewis and Klitz brothers

[@shawnthaicon2586]

That is the first time I've ever heard a fighter say the the other guy won..wow

[@serenityinside1]

watch again - he misheard and thought he was asked if HE won. His answer still modest tho

[@masterred8958]

Good contender from the 80s, gave larry holmes one of his toughest fights. Rest in peace.

[@jeffberndt8699]

Again, Rich, your videos are always a journey back to my childhood! Never forget watching “The Truth” display a masterclass in boxing against Larry Holmes. He was robbed and I’ve long believed that Micheal Spinks would never have won his decision against Holmes without Carl first exposing his weaknesses

[@bobbybrownsr.6724]

The Truth had a tremendous jab! I personally thought he beat Holmes

[@JohnDoe-id1es]

Yeah, hard to argue against if they were to have given him the decision. I definitely thought it was way closer than the judges saw it. And he outJABBED Holmes, with that crazy 85 inch reach and height. And outjabbing Holmes ain't ez 2 do.

[@andrewhawkes7352]

Carl was a great combination puncher with a great jab and was in some really good fights. Gave Holmes a great fight and fought some of the best of his era.i didn't know he'd passed away.RIP Mr Williams.....🙏🏼🩵

[@KOKINGWAYNE]

Carl just couldn’t take a shot to well,i didn’t know that he had passed away. R.I.P Carl ‘The Truth’ Williams🙏🏿

[@Joethecatholic]

Shows how good young Mike was

[@tnewsome9121]

Not really, because that was the fight BEFORE Buster and Buster beat the hell out of Mike. People went from calling Mike prime and unbeatable, to making excuses one fight later. He was still in his prime when Buster schooled him.

[@WarioSaysSo]

Carl "The Truth" Williams # Amateur record: 22 fights = 21-1. # PRO record: 41 fights = 30-10-0-1, KO's 21. # 2-time World Heavyweight Title Challanger: (1985 loss to Larry Holmes & 1989 loss to Mike Tyson). # USBA Heavyweight Champion: 1987-1991 (5-1-0, KO's 4) # Most career nororious wins: Trevor Berbick, Ossie Ocasio, James "Quick" Tillis, Bert Cooper & Jesse Ferguson. # Lost to 6 recognized world HW champions: Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, Tim Witherspoon, Mike Weaver, Frank Bruno & Tommy Morrison.

[@johnjamele]

I thought Williams beat Holmes, and only one of the judges scorecards (143-142 for Holmes) made sense.

[@comanchedase]

I think it was at least a clean draw.

[@towers950]

This channel is a delight Rich thanks for all your knowledge and hard work.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Kim.

[@rojai9673]

Another gem documentary. Whenever you can get around to it, can you do one on Michael Olajide? He seemed like an interesting fighter

[@johnjamele]

Putting Williams in against Weaver after the Ferguson fight was like putting Bruno in against Smith after the Cummings fight. What the hell were his handlers thinking?

[@incognitobrown7782]

Inspirational indeed. Thank you for the memories. RIP Champ

[@fearnobodyandtrustnoone]

Carl 'The Truth' Williams and Tommy 'The Duke' Morrison both died in the same year (2013). R.I.P. to both of them.

[@daveyboy_]

And people ( who dont know boxing) say that Tyson fought 'nobodies '

[@christopherbellore3511]

I always liked him. He did the best that he could. He went much further than most men. Respect. R.I.P. Carl ✝🥊🙏 Fighting the good fight of faith.; EVERYDAY!

[@masterred8958]

Small request: Can you make an ezzard charles video next?

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

He's on the docket but it'll be awhile.

[@masterred8958]

@@RichtheFightHistorian Good enough.

[@guywilliams6569]

Wow... those scores against Holmes were INSANE!!!

[@robertkline6778]

to this day i still wonder what fight the judges were watching....CARL WON THIS FIGHT HANDS DOWN...I STILL RESPECT HOLMES

[@Yogiholic]

He got knocked tfo by Tyson and that’s the truth!

[@SexxMode]

RIP Carl "The Truth" Williams

[@shawnthaicon2586]

This is one of the best if not the best channel for boxing history on KZbin...When I was a kid and I saw Mike Tyson Knockout these guys like him and Furguson I used to think they were bums...but now I know Mike was really grt because them guys was damn good

[@martindunstan8043]

Yeah I know what you mean,great fighters can make really good fighters look very ordinary sometimes 👍

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Shawn. Yes, the Truth had talent and Ferguson was very well-schooled.

[@kcatleticos]

The Truth..

[@boxerj]

Isn’t that the truth! (No pun intended) Watching the heavyweights from the 80s-90s I used to think these guys were mediocre based on how Tyson ran through them. Having been in the ring with Luis Ortiz, Alex Leapai, Mike Perez, Audley Harrison and others…. I really appreciate how amazing those guys from that era (Williams, Witherspoon, Weaver, Dokes, etc) really were. There are levels in boxing, and those guys were just under the top-top guys of that time.

[@paulmendrina1449]

Should have been allowed to continue vs Tyson poor stoppage by the ref..

[@DiscoFever1970]

I watched the Holmes/Williams fight in junior high. I thought he won that fight. Great vid.

[@MrBenandrea]

I remember watching some of his fight late 80s and early 90s. He was old school tough. Always got up and always tried to look unhurt like it was a personal insult that he got knocked down. Would have been good against these modern heavyweights

[@tarstarkusz]

He was a guy who could have been great. Could have been the HW champion. If only he had a better chin or was better at protecting that chin. Wladimir Klitschko had a glass jaw, but Manny Stuart taught him how to protect it.

[@sonnybaker2092]

My favorite memory of the Truth was when he upset the Bert Cooper apple cart in 87 or 88. Big upset victory for Carl over a rising legitimate contender.

[@bluffem]

Like alot of Heavyweights from this era, Williams was unfortunately short sighted when he discarded his handlers for a too soon shot at the title.

[@staraptorflock3661]

I didn't know about Carl William's heroic actions during 9/11

[@allenlindsey1175]

For the al gore rhythm

[@christiandinhopasillas9163]

A Zebra does not change its spots

[@TheBatugan77]

Whack on. Whack off.

[@winstonjames2583]

A men

[@susanherrin1217]

Lol

[@xmoomy]

I thought he beat Larry Holmes. It was close, but Carl won.

[@bkk_savateur2437]

Beautiful! What a quote to end this video with! Inspirational!

[@MrGG1959]

I thought Carl clearly won the fight against Holmes.

[@the_Sage71]

Williams broke my heart one Saturday afternoon when he crushed my favorite fighter coming up..Smokin Bert Cooper. He was The Truth that day. Masterful.

[@wlphantom]

I like the Truth but he really seemed vulnerable to the left hook.

[@bennylevine387]

It was a wild ride being a fan of the Truth. Lots of ups and downs. Seemed a little unlucky at the time to lose to Holmes, though looking back I can't really fault the decision. Seemed OK to continue against Tyson. And then the Weaver KO just as he seemed to be on the verge of winning. And after all that, to see him running shots on Morrison like that when he was past his best just further attested to his skill. Not a good chin and not the best ring IQ, but when that offense got on track, it poured out like fine wine.

[@alangrace8628]

Larry got the Don King decision...Larry was Kings man... great video again rich.. you are the man 👏

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Alan.

[@phelpsmarc]

Actually Larry had left Don King in 1983 when he abdicated the WBC title. He was given the IBF belt and defended it using various promoters

[@alangrace8628]

@phelpsmarc and who was in the ring after the fight ? Don King... King and Larry always had a close relationship, he even convinced Larry to come out of retirement to fight tyson

[@glennmcgee1729]

Thanks Rich, I remember Carl as having a glass jaw, but I forgot how well he fought back and could have won more fights than he did like the Morrison match. Too bad he couldn't keep his right up and throw more combinations. RIP Mr. Williams.

[@M.P.R.76-ch8rn]

Another gem ! I always thought Carl had all the tools to be a heavy weight Champ ! He definitely was sharp when he fought Holmes 🥊

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, MPR.

[@R.PMcMurphy]

I like that you shine light on these types of fighters, I bet he'd be honored if he was still alive

[@thegoat6116]

he said he gave mike tyson a hiding in sparring...

[@stoplightbandit3965]

Another great video

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Stoplight.

[@scottsharp5337]

I met Carl back in November 1988 at Caesars Tahoe. Calvin Grove introduced me to him. I thought Carl was really kool. He was saying funny stuff and I thought everything He was saying was right on, the truth. I guess that is why His name was the Truth. R.I.P Carl.

[@CharlesWashington-s5m]

Carl "The Truth" Williams had the tools. Great height, and reach. Superior hand, and foot speed. Great jab. Very intelligent. Lots of charisma. But the only thing that really held him back....was his chin.

[@EvanBarr-uk3vk]

Larry Holmes fought alot of upcoming guys before they where quite ready .Snipes ,Witherspoon ,Williams,Bey,?Berbik ,Cooney watched this fight live when it happened I really thought Williams was going to get the decision .Far to close a fight for me to judge ,but Williams did not hit hard alot of light ,touch the glove to face amature boxing from the truth .I think thats why he didnt get the decision.

[@triplejunction7073]

Truth was a really hard luck fighter with incredible physical gifts . He lost a dodgy decision against Holmes and was the victim of a quick stoppage against Tyson . He had difficulties taking punches , I believe,because his massive, chiseled upper body sat on top of two comparatively skinny legs The Truth was top heavy.

[@curtismcneil8695]

Carl Williams when he boxed and used his left jab was as good as most any Heavyweight. Carl, however just had some bad habits inside the ring. He would often dropped that right hand when he would throw combinations and he would be Straight up and there for the left hook counter. His defensive tactics got him in trouble. He rushed in against Weaver and got caught. Same with Morrison he had taken control of the fight and he didn’t use his jab enough. He allowed Morrison to get in close. His fight with Larry Holmes was his finest performance despite losing the decision. I don’t know how two judges had Holmes winning by 7 points ? That fight could have went either way. Carl was so close to being a really good fighter, just needed to hone his skills and keep opponents more at a distance. R.I.P. Carl Williams

[@frenchgoldenboyfan]

Great fighter..

[@donavonhoward114]

What a great man, and an excellent boxer. He was special, no doubt about that. It's a shame he was never a champion in the pro ranks. He came very very close to accomplishing that goal, and nobody can take that away from the man. He was one of the best contenders of his era. It's crazy to see such a big guy being able to move like he did. It must have been strange for Larry Holmes going up against Carl Williams. It probably made Larry feel like he was looking at the mirror image of his younger self.

[@LetitGolazziter-uk9xi]

Man!! Carl had all the attributes to be one of the great’s! Why he didn’t attack more to the body puzzles me.

[@JosephMiller-hu7bq]

When Holmes fought the Truth , when they were in the certain of the ring it was like he was looking at a young version of himself and his jab was just as good and Larry's jab .may be the greatest jab ever but I bet Larry was thinking it's like I am fight a young version of myself

[@vinceyoung5912]

Larry Holmes 2.0 he could’ve been unbelievable

[@beauyerks7413]

Great fighter with one glaring issue that really is somthing you either have or don't. He just was super skilled but a bit 2 chinny

[@alangrace8628]

Mike weaver destroyed two boxers potential destiny, Carl and big John tate and both with a devastating left hook.

[@stevenmurray5715]

Fantastic content as usual Rich!.. "The truth" had the tools to go very far except he had a weak chin which as we all know will eventually find you out with the big heavyweights.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Steven. Agreed on The Truth.

[@amc7185]

Huge guy with tons of skill, but his chin failed him a number of times.

[@thegoat6116]

larry holmes robbed carl williams/ken norton/tim witherspoon in my opinion.

[@serenityinside1]

holmes did what he always did when it was close....finish strong. that's ring smarts then later experience for ya.

[@robertdudley-rx8qo]

thanks for your hard work rich, i appreciate this stuff very much.

[@hollywoodjoe123]

Why in boxing are bouts held between former sparring partners ? That is ridiculous - when there have always been plenty of fighters that need a shot at the title - or even just a bout - wtf !

[@kingtyomama6564]

The two scores of 146-139 were garbage.

[@mrmoon1482]

Wow I didn’t know he had passed away at such a young age, RIP

[@Ken_Frazer-619]

33:44 Weaver is hurt 33:47 Then this happens

[@emokellen]

Another splendid doc on a much forgotten, yet classic and awesome fighter. Well done, Rich! You are still the best on all of youtube. Keep the "hits" coming!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks so much, emokellen.

[@emokellen]

@@RichtheFightHistorian Dude! You're like the best!

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the video Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, John.

[@Nathan-i8p]

I've always wanted to learn more about fighters like him. Really appreciate your work. I think Trevor berbik, tony tubbs, oliver mcall, Henry cooper and so many more. Would be cool to learn about. Its really enjoy learning about this side of boxing history.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Nathan, more on the way.

[@gareth1974barrington]

Thank you so much for doing a documentary on Carl " The Truth " Williams

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Sure thing, Gareth.

[@patton1909]

A very talented boxer ….

[@mh2584]

Holmes was da truth

[@zippydoo9533]

Williams was a great talent but when Tillis put him down twice you knew he had glass in that jaw. Tillis was far from a hard hitter. If you want info on a fighter this is the channel you want to watch. Rich is great at researching everything about the boxers who are the subject of his videos. I hope Rivh does a video about former middleweight champion Hugo Corro.Corro's history is a real mystery to me.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, ZippyDoo. I'll have to look more into Corro.

[@zippydoo9533]

@@RichtheFightHistorian Thanks Rich.

[@MrCrystalcranium]

He had tremendous skill but he was betrayed by his chin and his stamina. I believe had he been able to fight at a more energetic level against Holmes through the 15 rounds, he might have knocked Larry out. He was very much like Larry in style and technique in addition to being faster and bigger. But give the old man credit. He had more in the tank than his younger opponent when it counted.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Agreed. Holmes had tremendous heart. I thought he overtook Williams on willpower.

[@paulbroderick4217]

Dropping that right hand was a terrible flaw that probably cost The Truth a lot Great job Rich

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, Paul.

[@Aristotelezz]

It amasses me that in the US so easily the name and adres of a suspect is published in the papers. I've seen it here in videos before. It might have real consequences while the suspect may turn out completely innocent.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

The newspapers here stopped that practice now. I don't know exactly when but they don't do that anymore.

[@itsnotme3882]

Great jab but Carl never had head movement, that’s why he would get caught and dropped

[@serenityinside1]

i was thinking that ! He stood very upright and indeed his head moved comparatively little thus inviting disaster.

[@AlasHatem]

Can you please do a documentary on Rocky graziano ❤

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Yes, he is on my to do list, just don't know when I'll get to him just yet.

[@Fistoffury504]

Hell of a fighter! Love your channel!

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, DG.

[@claypearson8380]

It’s so funny to hear Keith Jackson and Marv Alberts doing boxing!!😂🤣

[@guywilliams6569]

Nothing Tommy Morrison did was "the best in the business"... lol... well, other than JUICE...

[@stephendeluca4479]

Rich, I do appreciate these bios very much, but I must point out that you used to include more personal information. Was he ever married? He had how many children? Was he divorced? It's not only about the boxing.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

It depends...Williams had some domestic violence issues with a girlfriend which I touched on. There is very limited press on his other relationships/children so I left it alone.

[@stephendeluca4479]

@@RichtheFightHistorian Well, you can only work with what you've got.

[@2383Scorpio]

Good job Rich. Carl had a long reach of 85 inches and he could jab from long range. He fought in the era against great heavyweights and that was the truth. Keep it up Rich.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thanks, Scorpio.

[@2383Scorpio]

@@RichtheFightHistorian No problem Rich and you're welcome.

[@uncjim]

I thought after the Holmes fight, Carl was the future with his size, jab, speed, etc. In the end it wasn’t to be as he lacked the ruggedness the great ones possess. I wasn’t aware of how things turned out for him. Like so many who make it into the spotlight, another depressing ending. Needless to say, it’s a tough way to make a living. Thanks for the insight Rich..another job well done.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

Thank you, uncjim.

[@Cychopath99]

The decision of his fight with Holmes is just disgraceful👎👎 RIP CARL williams

[@bluelivesmatter719]

Remember the Holmes fight vividly. Could've given it to Williams. Holmes trying to hand pick seemingly easy opponents to break Marciano's record was a big reason I didn't respect Holmes back in those days.

[@chrisstraittalk]

Have you done a documentary on Buck Smith? Would be very interesting… guy fought like twice a week for years

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

I remember him but will have to look more into his back story.

[@chrisstraittalk]

@@RichtheFightHistorian not sure how much info is available, but it’s not even legal nowadays to fight with his frequency. Many fights were retroactively called no contests too

[@Ren_Brands]

Thanks for the Fantastic Video. Williams had alot of heart and talent.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

My pleasure, Rene.

[@Grudeman408]

The truth was a beast!! Man 8oz gloves i can't imagine taking a shot of a heavyweight in 8oz gloves. Never fails to amaze me how tough these guys are 👏👏

[@guywilliams6569]

Tommy's "one dimension" is the ONE punch this dude TRUTHFULLY gets hit with!

[@johnjamele]

The newspaper story shown at 50:47 describes Williams as a "former heavyweight champion making a comeback." Like the author did no research at all, or thought "former heavyweight champion" just sounded better than "former top contender."

[@robertdudley-rx8qo]

thanks for your hard work rich, i appreciate this stuff very much.

[@TheCatseyepub]

Two great referees in this video, Larry Hazzard, boy could he dance, and Mills Lane.

[@OliverMichalFetraHarboe]

Could you do a documentary on Ezzard Charles, i’d love to see that.

[@RichtheFightHistorian]

He's on the to do list, yes.

[@OliverMichalFetraHarboe]

Great.

[@guywilliams6569]

Man... EVERYONE wanted to be Ali in promos!

[@mikemurphy8996]

125k for a shitty Mercedes. Wow.

[@JosephMiller-hu7bq]

The TRUTH'S corner didn't once say your carrying your right low that's why your being hit with a left hook look at his right it's by his shoulder wow if his right was up he would win