Muhammad Ali vs Cleveland Williams

Muhammad Ali vs Cleveland Williams (High Quality)
The Astrodome in Houston, TX
November 14, 1966

[@fudgematthew33]

It's hard for someone to turn a brutal sport into an art form. But Ali pulled it off. He was simply a master at his craft.

[@nazarmerza1]

Absolutely!

[@Magneticlaw]

Cleveland Williams was no joke - 70+ fights, 50 or so wins by KO, and he gave Sonny Liston two good fights - this display speaks volumes of Ali's skill.

[@gu2444]

Cleveland got shot in the dtomach

[@gu2444]

*torso*

[@michaelbentt3018]

Real talk, Sean. This cat ,Muhammad, stupified a whole division of prime heavyweights with guile and more specifically purpose! That manner of skill, intuitiveness and purpose will never be observed again.

[@awesomesause1116]

Anyone discrediting Ali saying he fought tomato cans don’t know shit about boxing. Every boxing fan worth his salt knows Ali fought and dominated in the toughest generation in boxing

[@gu2444]

@@awesomesause1116 I know that but you clearly didn’t read my comment

[@Mr_Big_Lou]

I’ve never seen another heavyweight champ who was in such marvelous condition as Ali was before the layoff. He was easily able to dance for 15 rounds, had a granite chin that could not be knocked out (not even by Liston who was knocking out everybody). He was virtually immune to bodyshots, had lightning quick hands and feet, very illusive head movement and superhuman reflexes. He also had a good punch when he decided to plant his feet. On top of all that he was very entertaining in and out of the ring. It’ll be hard for any other boxer to ever equal that.

[@vozamaraktv-art5595]

Not hard, it's absolutely impossible for anyone to come remotely close to that legacy !

[@Fahhad007]

Come on guys.....Mike Tyson was also very great

[@ascendediam]

​@@vozamaraktv-art5595slow

[@Respect12948]

@@vozamaraktv-art5595true because even if someone did become grater than him People would refuse to accept it anyway

[@MalcomX-dn2uq]

Mike Tyson was bum couldn't go 15 rounds

[@jojo4637]

This fight showed the greatness of Ali in every area, the thing that stuck out too me the most was the fact Ali said during the fight he saw Williams daughter in the audience crying for her dad, and he backed off of Williams as too not hurt him in front of his daughter, wow! He was a true champion and gentlemen

[@user-kc1rj5wv7w]

Good to know -typical Ali all heart double meaning jojo

[@user-ew2vf2vt1n]

Mohammed Ali was the greatest during his life time. He was very skiful ,fast , with very heavy punches against his opponents .

[@johnburke4931]

I don’t think any heavyweight, before or since could’ve beaten him that night. At the peak of his skills, he was the greatest heavyweight of all time, no question.

[@lmao7541]

Fax with no doubt as well

[@JahleelX-xx9wd]

Greatest boxer. Not just heavyweight. I just don't see anybody beating that. If he was smaller he'd be quicker.

[@johnburke4931]

@@JahleelX-xx9wd potentially, yes I agree with you. However, I find it impossible to pick a “greatest boxer”. There are too many greats from different weight classes to decide on an all time great. Obviously, the likes of Robinson, Ali, Duran, Moore, Tunney, Leonard, Jones Jr etc, would all be up there.

[@pleasedont7439]

@@JahleelX-xx9wd Not really. It's hard to say someone is the greatest in every division.

[@johnburke4931]

@Chris Tasse yeah, I’d love to have seen him fight during those 3 and half years. He would’ve probably peaked during that time.

[@84blizzle]

"It's hard to be humble, when your as great as I am." -Muhammad Ali

[@chrispalacios_18]

Stupid words! Good figther

[@quarantinejet2312]

@@chrispalacios_18 Yeah Ali was strong and pretty, Ali never said he was smart.

[@chrispalacios_18]

@@quarantinejet2312 ok

[@AbitCoD]

Ashraf Raja he wasn’t dumb either

[@quarantinejet2312]

@@AbitCoD True

[@albertelazar4069]

This was not just ALI'S MOST BEAUTIFUL PERFORMANCE, but the MOST BEAUTIFUL BOXING PERFORMANCE IN HISTORY, BY ANY FIGHTER, PERIOD!

[@joetrie]

Hello Williams is a she'll of himself missing organs and spinal I injuries

[@nasserahmed8721]

“The greatest Ali ever was as a fighter, was against Williams - that night, he was the most devastating fighter who ever lived.” Howard Cosell

[@trinihammer]

absolutely correct

[@Skovgaard1975]

They guy who was shot months earlier? Well congrats....

[@baddbrad4081]

Yes he was Ali's landed over 70% of his punches the most ever in history

[@ericvosselmans5657]

against a boxer that was hit by a police bullet in his stomach, partly destroying his hip and given lasting nerve damage?

[@tomoreilly3531]

Pretty easy to look great when the other guy doesn't hit back!

[@dbzfan62]

This is widely regarded as Ali's greatest performance in the ring because he has never looked better in movement and footwork. Ali's movement was good in this fight that he was gliding in the ring. Ali's footwork was so good that he did multiple Ali shuffles and even did two shuffles in a row. In my opinion, this is the greatest performance in boxing history.

[@joeydube420]

+Kammy Cleveland is almost ten years older than Ali, just saying. He was born in 33 and ali was born in 42. I'm just mentioning it because it's only fair. Everyone mentions Ali was old when he lost to Larry Holmes and I agree. If Ali danced like this when he fought larry holmes he would have destroyed him.

[@ivanbaccarat7838]

+Kammy And Cleveland Williams had been shot with a .357 magnum by a cop a year or so earlier and probably should've died.

[@ivanbaccarat7838]

+PanteraJoey I actually think Holmes would've been a tough fight for Ali at any age. Ali didn't handle jabs well and Holmes had arguably the greatest jab in heavyweight history. Styles make fights. Ali didn't do well against Ken Norton who was ko'd by Forman who Ali ko'd... Larry Holmes is the most underrated heavyweight champion of all time.

[@dbzfan62]

Ivan Baccarat Ali at his best had unreal head movement. sonny liston has one of the best jabs in history and Ali neutralised his jab. Ali has the best jab in history because it was unavoidable. Prime larry holmes had a very tough fight against ken norton. Prime Ali didn't fight ken norton.

[@ivanbaccarat7838]

+Kammy Liston didn't have a fast snapping jab. He had a heavy jab that could daze you if it landed. If you watch Ali's fights with Joe Frazier, Frazier often out jabbed Ali because of his head movement. Holmes had a very fast, snapping jab. I'm not saying that Holmes would've beaten Ali, I'm saying it would've been a great fight. Ali had trouble with boxers and a lot of his early opponents (when he was Cassius Clay) weren't boxers. They followed him around. Liston, I think, was psyched out. He certainly didn't cut off the ring. Frazier had success because he was in tremendous condition and he hated Ali so much.

[@byronelenica8329]

This fight is rated as the greatest performance of the scientific understanding of boxing ever seen. you can not teach this. RIP and thanks for the pleasure of being in your lifetime.

[@trinihammer]

i agree with you wholeheartedly .

[@charlesweiny9570]

dale stuart 10 punch combinations by a heavyweight... unheard of before or after. I like the way you think.

[@SeanRosati]

byron elenica Agreed, since there is no footage of Sugar Ray Robinson in his Prime this is the best recorded footage we have of the sweet science!! Ali the living embodiment of that essence in this performance! 🙏

[@Kassiusday]

IS NOT EVEN BOXING IT S GOING BEYOND BOXING ART IS LIKE A BALET DANCE , IT SALSA DANCE IT S ROCKY DANCE .... IT makes this sport THE NOBEL ART !!!!! Only ALI could do that , !!!

[@Luis91011]

Yes, pure artistry. Its easier just to focus on William's head getting hit during this fight than trying to catch what Ali is throwing at it. Unbeatable, demoralising style and speed.

[@mannshi]

Ladies and gentlemen, you have just witnessed the peak performance of any version of any boxer ever. No boxer in history stands at a chance against this. 1985 Tyson, 1980 Holmes, 1970 Frazier, 1974 Foreman, 1964 Liston, 1990 Lewis....etc. They would all get humbled by this man.

[@jeffreyletourneau299]

Agreed

[@taufeeqleo]

Still not his prime

[@jackeyleggs187]

Late 90s-Early 00s Jones Jr?

[@notgnisae]

@@jackeyleggs187Jones Jr wasn’t a heavyweight

[@therealc.t.7085]

@@taufeeqleoIf these weren’t his prime years than what was?

[@terrywilson1813]

This in my opinion was the finest performance of his entire career

[@sbs-0055]

Of entire boxing 🥊

[@notgnisae]

I agree

[@dshooter6391]

Absolutely!

[@trinihammer]

@@sbs-0055 you got that right in the entire history of boxing.

[@KnzyENY]

Agreed

[@kbboy101]

There are more boxing skills in these 3 rounds than the entire heavyweight division of today combined.

[@frozendivots1564]

Agreed. Nothing even close and it’s been decades since boxing was great.

Not more than Fury. But those other guys are overrated.

[@Kararrrr]

@ Muhammad Ali is over-rated? What a funny phrase.

[@Kararrrr]

@ Muhammad Ali is not famous bacause he is in boxing. Boxing is famous cuz Muhammad Ali in it. Tyson 😂 yes yes Tyson 😂 *FUNNY* MUHAMMAD ALI IS THE *#GREATEST** OF THE ALL TIME*

[@georgethomas4889]

The division today is actually excellent but agreed. Maybe Tyson Fury matches this though with his switch stance and deep boxing knowledge.

[@tamimloveafg]

Nobody beats this Ali. Masterpiece of a performance..

[@trinihammer]

this fight footage should be used to show young men who have dreams about being a boxer how they should box.

[@dant7072]

+dale stuart what guard down? hands low? nah kidding Ali is magnificent here

[@trinihammer]

hey cleveland williams has his guard up all the time and it dont make a blind bit of difference,ali keeps scoring head punches at will in round 3 so maybe better to box with your guard down lol

[@LUKERs1196]

Dan T Ali simply had such evasive abilities & masterful head movement that he didn't have to have his hands up... there's no other boxer with the confidence & skills to fight like he did

[@contactarshad]

This Ali is too fast for any boxer in ring...

[@gregv79]

Ali in his prime. No one could have best him at this point. Think of the time he lost after this...what speed, power..a thing of beauty.

[@armplanet7524]

He lost the quickness of his feet that's for damn sure

[@jr3870]

@@armplanet7524 Dude after 30-35 you slow down but you get stronger thats the mother of nature!

[@TruthLivesMatter]

@@jr3870 Well you see, more things backed up his slowness than his strenght. He wasnt allowed to box for 3 years, so there goes his speed, endurance, and reflexes which also explains why he lost to norton and frazier in '71 and '73. Then you had early parkinsons after the Earnie shavers fight in 1977, his speech slowed down by 16 percent and he started experiencing aggression and tremors.

[@DRose2Fast]

​@@TruthLivesMatteri think Ali had the onset of Parkinson's disease far earlier than the Shaver's fight; I think from atleast 1975, you can defintely start seeing symptoms of it in Ali.

[@TruthLivesMatter]

@@DRose2Fast You have a point, I saw the fight of Evangelista ron lyle and stuff, he wasn't himself there for sure, the speed was missing.

[@bitslay]

Ali makes it look so easy. His range control is flawless

[@srleeming5167]

No one in their prime beats this Ali, you punch as hard as you like, it’s useless if you can’t land lol What a legend

[@Spartanshaq777]

S R Leeming and not only that, his threshold for pain was otherworldly, theres a clip of him letting a guy give him rib shots and hes just taunting him

[@brucescott4261]

@@Spartanshaq777 ...That was the Ali-Chuvalo fight in 1966 before this bout against Williams.

[@kuligkutig]

Even if you land your best punch Ali could take it. His capacity to take a punch is underrated. He fought and got hit by 3 of the hardest punchers in boxing history, Liston, Foreman and Shavers, no knockdown. He got hit by Frazier's legendary left hook, went down and got up and didn't even look like he was affected by it and then finished the fight.

[@ahsanihafizhushali]

@kurt neill tyson didnt punch as hard as foreman

[@desoriordan9515]

VAM M Liston never actually managed to hit him I don’t think.

[@muffdiver240]

Everyone always gushes about Ali's skills here, but can we take a moment to appreciate the fact that, by this time, Williams had already taken a .357 Magnum slug in his torso, and recovered to resume boxing 17 months later, winning his first four post-gunshot bouts, fighting for the championship, and continuing to fight for another 7 years before finally retiring? Give the "Big Cat" his due.

[@ReptilianAnusWizzard]

Jesus Christ🤯 He got shot and keept fighting afther that, this is amazing Thanks for sharing this information👍🏻

[@muffdiver240]

@@ReptilianAnusWizzard Yep, he took a bullet, lost over 10 feet of colon, lost his right kidney, sustained shattered right hip joint, and suffered nerve damage to his left leg, causing partial paralysis; and yet, his physical conditioning looks phenomenal - better than Ali's. ...and you're welcome.

[@JahleelX-xx9wd]

@@muffdiver240 how does his physical condition look better than ali's when he was the one that got tko'd?

[@pleasedont7439]

@@JahleelX-xx9wd I think he meant physique.

[@jadezee6316]

stop making excuses...either he belonged in the ring or he didnt.....and if williams was hiding the fact that he couldnt fight any more..then to bad for him...but...you claim the guy fought 7 more years...so whats your issue? you sound like a dumb-bell

[@brjdencrewe1922]

If you know what you're looking at and watching. The movement, the feints, him setting up shots, head and glove control, all the little things, coupled with the size, speed, agility and IQ. If you know what you're looking at, you're watching the best heavyweight that ever lived, no question.

[@jeffreyletourneau299]

Yes

[@MrAbdullahasif]

Very much. A true legend, a kind human, a model for the rest.

[@jodaf1n_67]

Mike would have decked him off his dancing feet tho. But a close 2nd

[@brjdencrewe1922]

@@jodaf1n_67 not true. Even Mike Tyson himself has said he wouldn’t have beaten Ali.

[@jodaf1n_67]

@@brjdencrewe1922 because he is humble and adored him yes.

[@boingo2911]

What a beautiful footwalk! R.I.P The GOAT.

[@oldwalt4645]

Ali's level of timing and accuracy is insane for a heavyweight.

[@petergreen5337]

indeed. not to mention the footwork and sheer power.

[@trinihammer]

this fight was the best exhibition of boxing i have ever seen.

[@koksalozturk2611]

He must have been travelled in time because his skills were beyond his time.

[@albertelazar4069]

You'll NEVER SEE A MORE BEAUTIFUL BOXING MATCH EVER! That was PURE MAGIC!

[@petergreen5337]

Agreed

[@CJDcow]

That isn’t even Muhammad Ali. The referees said his name, and he was clay or something. Thanks.

[@AbdoulieJobarteh]

@@CJDcow he changed his name to Muhammad Ali later in his life

[@rawfoodwriter]

@@CJDcow Wow bro. Look it up. He changed his name because Clay was a slave name

[@petergreen5337]

@@AbdoulieJobarteh He changed his name the day AFTER he won the title in '64 ,he is Muhammad Ali here already about 2 - 3 years.

[@abbydollars8679]

That first knockdown. Lightning . What a beautiful fighter

[@averageenjoyer6521]

Can we talk about the record of Cleveland Williams before fighting ali? Mans only lost 5 times and won 65 times

[@flaviusmakgabo9846]

Feast your eyes all you sons of men, here is display of boxing in its most beautiful form. Boxing superiority personified, wonderful to behold, a dance, a song! When I teach my son about moments in history when men beheld greatness I will teach of a man who was boxing dressed in flesh : Muhammad Ali. Forever grateful champ 🥊🏆🥇

[@ahmedadan6379]

ALLAHU AKBAR ...MAY ALLAH GRANT HIM GANATUL FIRDOWS

[@davebrokenshire1086]

Beautifully put sir. I agree with every word you say.

[@slobodanr5928]

One of the greatest persons in history of the world!

[@bizim_eller]

@@ahmedadan6379 ganatul firdows, what is that brother?

[@mirzabaig4227]

@@@bizim_eller its actually the highest level in paradise acording to islamic teachings

[@Rajul2]

This is the closest we'll ever see of Muhammad Ali in his prime. His boxing license was stripped off him when he would've been in his prime

[@jazzmanchgo]

​@Gary Pollard Would've been a blessing. He should never have been allowed to carry on for as long as he did. He was a money geyser for his handlers, managers, hangers-on, etc., and they were perfectly content to use him until they used him up, and that's exactly what they did. Certainly not the only case like that in boxing history, but as stench-filled and rank as any of 'em.

[@leonardcharles59]

It wasn't long after this fight that Ali was banned from the ring for 43 months for refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War on conscientious objector grounds . Does anyone honestly believe had he not missed the three and one half years - he was only twenty- five at the time- anyone could have beaten this great fighter? Even the great Joe Louis said Ali was on the verge of becoming the best heavyweight ever before his license to fight was taken away. What a disgrace it was to rob this great athlete of his prime years and true greatness!

[@manuginobilisbaldspot424]

The fight against Folley is just as good IMHO. But he would never be as dynamic as this night. It was like Picasso or Mozart in the ring...just a genius you can't really explain, but you know it when you see it.

[@Faren_]

You need to realise people hit their prime much earlier in these times. This was his prime.

[@brucescott4261]

@@Faren_ ...No, it wasn't, PERIOD!!!

[@knucklegame5050]

"FLOAT like a 🦋 , STING like a 🐝." Rip to "The Greatest" ALI👑🥊🤲🏾🤲🏾

[@romulus1300]

Joe Rogan brought me here. Thank you Joe, Ali, and Mr. Big Cat!

[@MMAGamblingTips]

How in the world does a big man move like that? He must be the greatest!

[@lightninggaming016]

Right dude like 216 6'3 light on his feet like a feather weight

[@sharp7704]

Exactly!

[@williamshea4425]

I only got to watch him after his suspension was lifted. Was working at Boeing and 4 of my work buddies were as big a boxing fan as me. (70's) All the big fights were at the city movie houses. Ali, Sugar Ray Leanord, Duran, Hagler, Hearns. I miss my buddies and Fight night at the Temple Theater.

[@user-zs6mn1vo3o]

@@lightninggaming016 Mohamed Ali at this fight weight 213

[@travisbickle0526]

@Patrick Names wilder weighed 212.5 for the first fury fight

[@me_meyou_youus_us]

I can't believe I'm watching a heavyweight, its amazing just wow

[@jagrmelo2453]

that would be a very tall and lanky featherweight haha

[@donnellvickers6314]

He moves like a welterweight.

[@user-vo1fq4ck6l]

Look at alvares he is slower

[@user-vo1fq4ck6l]

But moving feather and heavy weight looks like welter

[@user-vo1fq4ck6l]

They are like a 92-95kg, look at usyk

[@harrycallahan9143]

If there was ever a fight showing Ali being ALI...this is it, just absolutely glorious.

[@lawrence1318]

Notice how Ali always fought walking backwards. It's amazing that his opponents' trainers didn't try to reverse this. It was this tactic that allowed Ali to draw his opponents off balance, tire them out, and counter punch at just the right moment. Every single fight of Ali he fought walking backwards and counter punching.

[@trinihammer]

thats right thats how he knocked liston out in their second fight. ali called it his ghost punch moving backwards dart out a quick jab to the top of the head and believe you me as soft as it looks it will knock you out. if you blink you will miss it. thats why everyone at the time thought ali/liston second fight was fixed but in the 2000s they slowed it down and it is a quick jab to the head.

[@clevelandwilliams5922]

@@trinihammer The punch is not disputed. Liston was hit with murderous left hooks and right crosses by Cleveland Williams and never blinked. Was a right cross from Ali capable of a knockdown or knockout, I’d agree. However only against opponents like Jean Pierre Coopman, Brian London & Richard Dunn. All 2nd rate opponents. Liston clearly fell, why he had his hands down to break the fall and did a shit job trying to convince the public at Lewiston Mayne it was a legitimate knockout. To me Ali never repeated a punch like that against another top tier heavyweight. Except for 1st knockdown of Williams. Yet against a Williams who’s left leg was atrophied from the hip joint. Ali has to prove a one knockout punch power and he never did again, unless you include the hopeless opponents I mentioned earlier.

[@trinihammer]

@@clevelandwilliams5922 Ali knocked out oscar bonavena with a punch as he was dancing backwards. that quick darting jab that ali had knocked out bonavena who at that time had never been knocked out before.

[@bazzbazzley]

Boxing's greatest artist painting a masterpiece with pain, precision and panache. We won't see his like again.

[@brucescott4261]

Fabian Jollywigs Agreed!

[@brucescott4261]

Fabian Jollywigs Agreed!

[@agostinaepatti8823]

nvhjcll Antonio 2#4568$8$*"*

[@georgegreig8054]

Hopefully we don't as Williams should not have been allowed in the Ring with Ali. The is the equivalent of Ali fighting Holmes and Berbick.

[@petergreen5337]

Your words are well chosen, yet right and exact.

[@kaybruce8159]

I was there. He was beautiful. Movement was poetry in motion. It was a momentous occasion.

[@Chuckerson100]

Kay Bruce lucky you.

[@wrinkledinkle3020]

Damn how old were you at that time

[@wrinkledinkle3020]

King Trey’s WRLD maybe

[@UncleJimTV]

are you gandalf?

[@itubecollection1623]

@@UncleJimTV hahhaha he must be that old

[@StudSupreme]

Incredible how SMART Ali fought. Those were truly great days back in the 60s and 70s.

[@hanspeter0007]

Build like a model, pretty like a prince, light on his feed, faster than a thunderbolt and tough as nails. Muhammad Ali in his prime was something else. His unusaul and dynamic style must have been so frustrating to fight against.

[@kimandrews6106]

This is what all the fuss is about, this is his peak, and there was no-one like him, nor will there be.

[@trinihammer]

i say amen to that.

[@charlesweiny9570]

dale stuart his peak would've been 28 years old of uninterrupted boxing. we were cheated, we would've seen a master.

[@trinihammer]

charles weiny my friend you are absolutely right. there are some who say marciano was the greatest. well i say watch what ali did to oscar bonavena. ali destroyed bonavena. oscar bonavena was the same build and fought just like marciano they were so similar they even looked alike and had the sane type of haircut , so in my educated opinion looking at things logically ali would have given marciano a boxing lesson in ringmanship. i wou;ld even go as far to say it would have been seen as a mismatch because ali was so much more bigger than marciano. and you know because of who marciano was ali would not be jiving or clowning around with marciano which would equal a victory for ali.

[@charlesweiny9570]

you are absolutely right, marciano. 67 inch reach vs ali 79 inch reach. all due respect to Rocky, but his face couldn't take it for 9 rounds. Liston would've murdered Rocky, and Rocky knew it.

[@lionelwitherspoon5410]

+Charles Weiny Finally the truth. Marciano was tough but too small.

[@kendrick..]

Ali’s trainer said that he never hit his prime , imagine

[@Karriefy23]

@@seniordavidmanderson9232 bruh

[@Jackal]

yea because of his long suspension that was part of his peak years

[@geegee8625]

@@Jackal blame AmeriKKK for that

[@jonplukehughes2807]

We were all robbed

[@AE-gz5fc]

That suspension stopped him from hitting his prime, he wouldve been undefeated

[@Sam-ww1gb]

Pure art , skills was a masterpiece

[@stratovani]

Muhammad Ali put on a clinic that night. Offensively he showed why he was the fastest fighter in boxing history, and his defense was sublime. This fight was Ali at his finest. As Mike Tyson once said, "NOBODY beats Ali!".

[@hansjoachimthiel2503]

After EVERY fight the fighters went to a hospital! It’s for safety reasons. Checking eyes, brain and so on. Also for insurance reasons

[@t6v5c2]

Even when called “the greatest”, Ali was still underrated.

[@lrockyfan5106]

That's why he called himself the greatest of all times.

[@lrockyfan5106]

@Art Russell of all times.

[@juan0477]

Ali didn't wanna be the greatest...the greatest wanted to be Ali..

[@ernestboykin3rd706]

How real is that to be the greatest and underrated SMH

[@mmastiff734]

MANCHESTER UNITED F.C who asked and who cares? Same thing I said when u came out the womb btw

[@danieljohnson2139]

I actually respect Cleveland Williams, he had nerve damage in his hip and was missing 10 feet of his intestines. He had won 80 fights in his career so I think we owe Williams a lot more respect

[@alialias3913]

His intellectual and oratory skills were only surpassed by his ring skills making him greatest heavyweight of our times

[@finnmacmanus5723]

Normally heavyweights are kinda at a disadvantage in the p4p conversation cause of the nature of it but I think this performance by Ali epitomises why he still has an argument to be the greatest. The speed and skill, his skill set would only translate better if he was smaller

[@johnwitczak4935]

Much Respect to Cleveland Williams. Big, big, big heart.

[@mightymomerica7544]

Hes also been ducked by every champion in his prime, he finally got a shot when he was an old man, he was a great fighter

[@tashawnsnardon3661]

I agree Cleveland Williams was no bum at all he was just in there against the greatest.

[@mightymomerica7544]

@@tashawnsnardon3661 he never really got a chance to be great

[@jamesanthony5681]

@@Alan_CFA George Foreman said Williams was one of the hardest punchers he ever faced, along with Ronnie Lyle and Gerry Conney.

[@gragrn]

This Ali beats every other heavyweight Champion, from every era, every time!

[@guardsful]

Yessir!!!!!!!

[@saqib7965]

Legendary punchers like George Foreman, Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton and Earnie Shavers all lost to Ali.

[@estebannemo1957]

Even John L. Sullivan?

[@estebannemo1957]

Fit Boy Abdul I was obviously joking!

[@iphonemodDOTcom]

Except the brown bomber, Joe louis in his prime would have been to hot for ali.

[@n.w.goonewardena6147]

Ali shool the world in everything he did, not just boxing. He was the only superman this planet ever had. We were fascinated by everything he did and said. Greater than the Greatest!

[@nasarkhan052]

He has been calling himself the Greatest Of All Time for a reason! This fight is the true demonstration of his Greatest scientific skills.👌🏼 Also the other fighter is a MAN himself, gotta give him his credit for being able to withstand Ali's scientific moves. ❤️‍🔥

[@petergreen5337]

indeed, well said.

[@evancampbell7138]

I feel sorry for Mr Cleveland Williams in this fight. He had a pretty rough life and a tragic end. Thank you for your fights, and rest in peace.

[@Harvin87]

He had a big big heart.

[@franciofreefire6798]

@@mkocadag motosordadora

[@kiboma4209]

Cleveland and Liston were both great boxers who sadly had tragic lives

[@trinihammer]

like Ali said, williams had a lot of heart but he had the audacity to get in the ring with him so he had to be whipped so i whipped him. too bad thats just my job.

[@badbush2414]

Who cares?

[@TheKelz]

Watch Cleveland's fights. He's so tough and hard to beat, but Ali made it easy, just like he did with Sonny. The greatest.

[@clubberlang589]

Cleveland Williams was shot with a .357 magnum in the stomach at point blank range, lost 3/4 small intestines, kidney and 60 to 90 lbs of body weight in the process. Look at his physique during the 2nd Terrell fight and his abilities, then compare and contrast them with the Todd Herring bout a year later. His comeback alone to get himself in shape and condition, does not mean he was the same fighter, when you take the above facts into the situation. Ali would have really had some battle with a prime Williams, because his courage is a testimony of that. He would not have that courage if he knew he was not capable. Then tell me the Sonny Liston that dismantled The Big Cat in their two scheduled fights, you can see that Sonny Liston was some force of nature. So don't get ahead of yourself here with all these glowing comments about Ali. Because they count this prize fight as Ali greatest showmanship and ring smarts. But why don't we give Larry Holmes the same accolades with Ali. Oh because we have a double standard. Or is our society been deliberately brainwashed about Ali self purported claims as the Greatest, so because he had mostly padded fighters or has beens to make his record look better than it really was. So people can say oh yes Ali was some awesome fighter. George Foreman in the end followed the status quo with Ali, because by doing so, he could return to the ring and earn a title shot. When he won the title for the 2nd time, he defended it against no bodies or gave the belts away to avoid mandatory challenges. Because he knew perfectly well he would lose. But they kept him as RIng Magazine or Linear Heavyweight Crown. Until he could not go anymore without facing decent fighters. Foreman would have beaten Ali if he was one in full condition and not lethargic, but because he finally acknowledged the loss to Ali and started to suck the establishment cock, he got what he wanted, fame and fortune. In the beginning he was a true warrior and champion, afterwards he was just a has been and a protected fighter, because he knew he had nothing more to give to the sport. So if you want to use Foreman as an example, I just refuted it for you.

[@johnnydollar107]

Ali is the greatest because he beat every top contender in the golden era of heavyweight boxing. His loss to Holmes was due to the fact that Parkinson's had begun and completely slowed down the champ and of course Ali should have retired much sooner.. Ali in his prime however was untouchable. Yes, Foreman was an amazing boxer, one of the very best ever and true boxing fans recognise his greatness. Ali is THE best ever. It's not a debate I'm afraid, it's an accepted fact now.

[@brucelee9941]

Agreed 100% he looks scary and solid muscle Ali made it look like poetry

[@H.K.5]

Sonny Liston destroyed Cleveland Williams in 2 rounds and made it look more easy than Ali did. And Liston was fighting a fit Williams, not the injured one who fought Ali. Ali still would have destroyed Williams either way. Patterson would also beat him.

[@H.K.5]

Dragalge 60's Ali would probably stop Holmes inside of 6 rounds.

[@ggooggg3572]

Mohamad Ali is on a song in this fight , it’s like a poem , so clean , so neat , no body shots , no rough play , no blood , & he is dancing around wow. Truely deserved to b called d Greatest. Infact Greatest of all times. Rip. Champ. ALMIGHTY ALLAH Bless your Soul.

[@raycommisso6448]

I consider this Ali's best fight ever. Young legs with non-stop movement every round, machine gun combinations, assassin's accuracy.

[@neftalmaluleke8487]

Ali can motivate farmers, engineers, carpenters, doctors.... with the kind of skills he displays, may his soul rest in peace

[@Mrzeeezzz]

Ali was a different kind of breed. Boxing should be the last thing we should remember him for. He was more then that. He SHOOK up the world he Inspired BILLIONS. No mother will ever give birth to a son like MUHAMMAD ALI ( The greatets

[@Narration___Nation]

@@Mrzeeezzz mike Tyson is better

[@claydogmadman6295]

This 24 year old Muhammad Ali is still up to date for today's era... The greatest of all time...

[@streetwise8489]

There will never be another Mohammed Ali is just nice watching any of his fights

[@jeffreycooper5187]

Ali was just entering his prime in this fight. He was truly the greatest of all times!

[@petergreen5337]

This is boxing perfection.The timing is flawless. The defense looks easy but it's not his measurement of distance is very good. The pacing works very well. Cleveland Williams was a knockout specialist with power in both hands. Rest in peace Muhammad Ali, you are an inspiration even today.

[@franciscoizquierdo4854]

6

[@sports_mania10m14]

Ameen

[@keitumetsekaphiwa9224]

It's 2020 and I can confirm, Ali is still the greatest!

[@longsponge2345]

💯

[@Zen2k-709]

Did u know maywheather said he was a better boxer than Muhammad Ali

[@josipmarevic1964]

@@Zen2k-709 Two different boxing styles that u cant compare, Muhhamad Ali is like Messi, Floyd is more like Juventus defensive line...

[@kondjanegongo796]

I think lomachenko is significantly more mesmerizing than ali

[@sonnieredmond2379]

@@longsponge2345 h

[@Stevesautopartsify]

Wow that was an absolute masterpiece of speed, conditioning, and skill!!

[@sardarzadamohammadyunussah4273]

My salute to Cleveland Williams for getting up again and again, against the world no 1 THE BEST OF ALL MOHAMMAD ALI....

[@andypistole8363]

HANG ON A SECOND! Did Ali knock him down with a punch he threw while simultaneously floating backwards? I just watched it again.....THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT ALI DID!! ABSOLUTELY UNBELIEVABLE!!

[@davidcopson5800]

Sugar Ray Robinson used to do that as well.

[@muffdiver240]

@J MORT "Scrap Iron" Johnson?

[@patrickraymond5855]

Ali was really good at fighting while moving backwards. Few boxers, if any, did it as well as him.

[@nolaanderson8770]

Watch the last 30 seconds of the Rumble - Muhammad was moving backward when he knocked out George. Ali pummeled him on the ropes, George staggered toward Ali, Ali danced backwards while throwing a 5 punch combination.

[@armando12322]

It’s standard for outside fighters.But yeah, the way he does it is faster and more precise than anyone else.

[@deuce4off]

What a wonderful display of boxing. This is probably around the pinnacle of his talent. This boxer right here is unbeatable. RIP champ

[@heavenhelp1982]

Agreed sir. Banks and Cooper dropped him early in his career but at this point in time, it had all come together and he looked invincible. Williams was a huge puncher but could hardly lay a glove on Ali in this form. I don't think anyone could have beat him on that night

[@trinihammer]

absolutely no one. i hear people go on about marciano but what they dont realise is ali was a boxer, marciano was a fighter or brawler. in the ring ali was the ultimate puglist the perfect ring technician a master craftsman and tactician based on queensbery rules and would have beaten marciano easily. if it was a street fight no queensberry rules a fight in the alley then i might have to say marciano might win.

[@trinihammer]

clip11, ali was being respectful to marciano for who he was. if marciano had even contemplated fighting ali however you can bet your last dollar ali would never be complimentary to him. but ali like most boxing fans paid due respect and defrence to marciano for what he had achieved in boxing, there is no doubt marciano was a great champion for his time but he is no way in ali's class.

[@danrichardson1969]

luv your comments marcino was a great fighter with ali height and speed ability to take a punch. if sonny listen, formen, shavers , Frazier, and other fighter could not knock him out. love my brother marcino undefeated a great fighter in his time.

[@trinihammer]

clip 11, lets imagine i am going to put a bet on the ali /marciano fight. first i look at who is heavier=ali secondly i look at who has the longer reach=ali thirdly i look at who is the taller and bigger=ali fourtly i look at who is the quickest=ali fifthly i look at who can take a punch=ali/marciano sixth i look at who has the best boxing skills=ali seventh i look at who has a knockout punch=ali/marciano then after looking at that assesment i will be putting my money on a ali points win purely because marciano was very durable. come on its a no brainer ali to win points decision. if you put that information into a computer today that is the answer the computer will come back to you with its obvious. all ali would do is jab and move,jab and move because he has the longer reach. that kind of punishment will wer you down even marciano and i will admit marciano was very tough but the constant point scoring of the jab from ali would wear marciano down. POINTS WIN ALI MAYBE EVEN TKO ALI.

[@christurner2684]

To me this is Ali’s best performance, in the peak of his powers🐐

[@willwalsh3436]

Awesome display by the Greatest at his peak against a formidable foe though most today would not know how tough Cleveland Williams was. This is the Muhammad Ali who would be favored against any opponent in the history of boxing. Most of Ali's greatest fights were fought past his peak because only then could other great fighters truly compete with him. Magnificent!

[@gmshadowtraders]

One of the best beatings ever administered in the history of the sport. Mike Tyson would struggle to land a single punch on this version of Ali.

[@Ahsankhan-qg2ky]

gmshadowtraders agree

[@jakemcclintock8696]

Huh? Cleveland's face at the end looked like hamburger. That ref let it go on much too long. It was a beating all right. It could have killed him. How many times did he knock him down?

[@imadeyoureadthis1500]

this is the version of cleveland that was shot with a .357 magnum in the stomach at point blank range, lost 3/4 small intestines, kidney and 60 to 90 lbs of body weight in the process.

[@artvandelay837]

struggle to land a single punch? lol not true at all

[@aidanjalbert7180]

Tyson would do ok in the early rounds, still there’s no way in hell he would win. Prime Tyson struggled with Tucker and Tills, they were both weak versions of Ali.

[@denissssss8579]

Replace Williams to any other boxer, this Ali would beat everyone! Prime Lennox, Prime Tyson, prime klitschko, prime Joshua, Prime Wilder, Prime everyone! This Ali is U-N-B-E-A-T-A-B-L-E! Greatest of all time!

[@hectorlucaterov5802]

Denis Sulovic prime Tyson lol no

[@Cking64]

Prime Tyson?

[@denissssss8579]

Yes Prime tyson! The Ultimate iron Mike Tyson in his ultra prime! The prime Tyson who destroys punch bags with 1 shot, the Tyson who could Ko 5 opponents in row in the first round in one night. Yes I mean him!!

[@gazeffstronoff4583]

ALI IS THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME . INDEED!!!!

[@Ahsankhan-qg2ky]

Denis Sulovic agree

[@marknorris1381]

Amazing skill. Moved with the agility of a featherweight. No wonder no one could beat him in his prime.

[@remarcablemc4992]

Man, Ali was a monster in this fight, untouchable, and the foot work.. oh my lord. Truly something special

[@danno1974ify]

Ali at his peak, technically perfect.

[@eddielester3589]

Yes Lawrence!!

[@magst734]

you cant get any better than this

[@tomabela7949]

Technically not perfect but perfect performance.

[@asongoflimeandfibre5487]

This Ali beats everybody

[@jplatnuim]

agreed

[@nthdegree1269]

A Song of Lime and Fibre Agreed. He is able to knockdown a fighter while moving backward, and eventually knocking out a fighter, while dancing the whole time. The dancing here has incredible spring. He could have easily been in track and field. Usually a figther will cut the ring, but, judging by the speed here and spring action, this would be really difficult

[@WizKhalifaTGOD0123]

A Song of Lime and Fibre Imagine what he could've done had he reached around the age of 26-28, that would've just meant the same Ali but a much stronger version. It would almost always be complete annihilations like this.

[@jeffkninetynine]

+A Song of Lime and Fibre except young Tyson

[@jplatnuim]

Jean-François Roy Maybe not an annihilation, but he certainly beats Tyson.

[@Duppavich]

So fast and precise, he won that easily 👍

[@65tosspowertrapl36]

Hard to imagine any other heavyweight of any era defeating Ali at that time.

[@bernie4366]

This version of Ali takes out Frazier, Norton etc without any problems at all. 10 times out of 10.

[@keepthechange2811]

And Larry Holmes. He beats them all.

[@bernie4366]

@@keepthechange2811 Larry's best weapon is his jab. Ali's was better.

[@jeffriessman9693]

@@keepthechange2811 Holmes is a slower clone of Ali. Ali taught him everything

[@raskreamergas4358]

@@jeffriessman9693 yeah but remember Holmes was former world Champion and he's not a bums, he even beat butterbean the KO killer in his 53

[@billthestinker]

Speedy and strong

[@anthonywillis7634]

Ali was ridiculously good in his prime. Just pretty to watch.

[@AwakenUniverse]

This moment right here every heavyweight boxer has to admit. This Ali was something remarkable and literally godly in all areas. There’s a reason why Ali is remembered so much to this day, he’s what a heavyweight should be!!! Best ever no question…others can disagree but even his haters admit prime Ali was insanely magnificent.

[@JuggleMan]

My dad was his coach for the 1960 Olympics. Julius Menendez was a successful pro boxer dubbed by the press as the "scientific boxer". He coached 18 year old Cassius to a gold medal in Rome. Muhammed Ali would later say he was a"great coach".

[@blakestillinthegame4248]

Mannnnnnn Wtffffff! When ALI shuffle his feet. That shit priceless !! Fire 🔥💯 💯

[@vozamaraktv-art5595]

Ikr!!

[@suffa07]

Had Joe Frazier fought this version of Ali, there would never have been any need for a thrilla in Manila. Joe would have been KOd. This was his last fight before being stripped of his license, just hitting his prime. Ali was poetry in motion. Can you imagine the performances he would have put on in the three years that followed, which the government robbed the world of...?

[@CloudMNYT]

Ali had two more fights before he was stripped of his title----Ernie Terrell and Zora Folley.

[@suffa07]

I stand corrected... How could I forgot about the infamous: “what’s my name?” to Earnie Terrell. Ali put a long whopping on him.

[@sandokhan1965]

Well said !

[@Skovgaard1975]

This version of Ali fought a corpse.

[@charlessmith7867]

Zora Folley was he last fight before being stripped and that happening to him was total BS...Ali knew that as heavyweight champion the government would not actually put on the front line to fight the Viet Con...or would they???...who knows? But the one thing that prevented him from enlisting and "fighting" was the fact that that he had massive influence on millions of black men in America...he along with Malcolm and Martin opened our eyes to who we really are as a people and Muhammad said himself he would never forgive himself for influencing black men here to join the military and fight in a war that has nothing to do with us and seeing black men die over there on his watch... that's way I truly admire and love the man...he gave up so much but got a lot back...had the pleasure of taking my dad to his burial site in Kentucky last year...my father cried when I told him why we were there...best surprise I ever gave him...God bless Muhammad Ali and may he rest in eternal peace...

[@profitcs8506]

Big cat continued to get up and fight after those knockdowns. Much respect to him 👏. Ali looks unbeatable in this fight.

[@joslynmoses9024]

Once in a lifetime boxer and I am so thankful to witness this amazing opportunity

[@johnclark6577]

Never has a fighter moved so beautifully

[@petergreen5337]

Agreed

[@mjchecksfield914]

Ali destroyed 4 heavyweight slugging beasts in dispatching Sonny Liston, Cleveland WIlliams, Ron Lyle and George Foreman ALL by knockout. These were all considered tremendous punchers, but ALi was just too clever for them. His performance against Cleveland WIlliams is my second favourite "best of the best" after the taming of Foreman that famous night in Zaire!

[@Skovgaard1975]

Foreman was by exhaustion :)

[@Skovgaard1975]

@BlaZe Excalibur In his prime his body would be smaller and less able to take the punishment. But maybe he would not have to let Foreman use him as a punching bag as he was probably faster on his feet.

[@Skovgaard1975]

@BlaZe Excalibur Well I don't rate Foreman that high... It has been a while since I watched the fight.....

[@ronaldlevao8251]

Foreman was a better slugger than Williams, but against a young Ali, still no-contest. Though an awesome stalker and slugger, the younger Foreman had fewer boxing skills, slower reflexes, and poorer balance than Sonny Liston, and if Ali could beat Liston (at least once, on the level) he could handle Foreman.

[@Shovelhook]

@@ronaldlevao8251 Liston had 45 years old and tge fights were fixed.

[@ozlem1911]

rest in peace muhammed ali you was a legend❤️

[@ATATURKdusmanlarininAMK_NJ]

Yes he was.... seni de burada görmek güzel özlem

[@donarundel1560]

The sheer *elegance* of Ali, the visual beauty of man and movement - "Bliss it was in that dawn to be alive But to be young was very heaven."

[@jerroddouglas6084]

No heavyweight ever beats this Ali.

[@johnburke4931]

Definitely not, he was the greatest by far! I know people hold the likes of Louis, Marciano, Johnson and Lewis high. Ali was far superior to all of them. What he had, you can’t teach. People who say Tyson would’ve beaten him, don’t have a clue what they’re talking about. Ali would have Tyson beat before the opening bell!

[@johnburke4931]

Korn 1993 ridiculous statement... although, yes he should’ve ended his career way sooner than he did. The last fight with Frazier must’ve done untold damage to both of them. In his later years he took way too many savage punches from incredibly heavy punchers, he payed the price for it.

[@blackbookt.vchannel7616]

@@johnburke4931 tyson is like a stronger Frazier, idk if he would win by knock out but by points

[@johnburke4931]

#BLACKBOOKT.V Channel Tyson was definitely a better all round boxer than Frazier. I don’t know about him being stronger and Frazier definitely had more heart and determination than Tyson. Personally, I don’t think Frazier won the first fight with Ali. I’ve scored it a couple of times and I’ve had Ali ahead by a round or two. Also, Ali was not at his peak when he fought Frazier. Ali in 67 was untouchable in my opinion. Sad thing is he probably would’ve peaked around 68-69, so we never got to see him at his best.

[@blackbookt.vchannel7616]

@@johnburke4931 facts, from 64-67 he was top notch and yes I agree he wasnt in the greatest shape to face Frazier but the 2and and 3rd fight he was struggling, tyson moves like Frazier when moving into those punches, closing the distance, if Tyson caught ali with a few punches that Frazier laid on him, he would have been knocked out without question, tyson closes the distance, now '67 ali would be pretty amazing I see him going 15 rounds against tyson maybe less and winning

[@diego7232323]

R.I.P. Muhammad Ali. You will be missed.

[@lindsaybonterre6205]

diego7232323 O

[@Hamza_azmaH123]

@debra m Ali

[@Ahsankhan-qg2ky]

nivek m what my name what my name 😂

[@jakemcclintock8696]

He is already and had been for many years before he died.

[@goncalonunodurao7656]

Ali was fast , with incredible leg movements like nobody in heavyweight boxing. He's absolutly THE GREATEST OF ALL TIMES. EVEN NOWADAYS , IN HIS PRIME

[@bopbop844]

The greatest performance I have ever seen. Truly the greatest. RIP to the greatest of all time.

[@jeffg6008]

I doubt ANY heavyweight of ANY era could have beaten Ali this night. Absolute prime of his career.

[@heyitsmedammit]

Louis on the night he stopped Max Schmeling in 1?

[@redmarine2717]

@@heyitsmedammit"It doesn't matter how hard Louis can hit cause it means nothing if he can't find nothing ot hit" -(Muhammad Ali to Cud D'amato)

[@heyitsmedammit]

@@redmarine2717 Billy Conn could move. Louis hit Billy Conn. Hard. Knocked him out.

[@redmarine2717]

@@heyitsmedammit No one moves like Ali

[@heyitsmedammit]

@@redmarine2717 I'm not saying it would be easy for Louis. I'm saying Ali just has to lose concentration for one second and it's curtains. Same danger with Marciano--just ask Jersey Joe Walcott.

[@beefcakebrown]

the most skilled, agile, and fastest handed heavyweight to ever do it. The GOAT....Muhammad Ali!

[@gunner5210]

7:05 the way Muhammed Ali dodging then punishing his rival is so damn good

[@robertdale001]

this is the Ali that was the Greatest...…..unbelievable how good he was! I looked this video up after seeing an interview where Mike Tyson (who diligently studied and watched film on every great boxer) stated that, "regarding Ali, this is the fight that I was most "in awe" of." His physical conditioning, quickness and scientific boxing approach were just outrageous in this fight (pre-military draft problems). When he later came back, he was still amazing, but this was Ali at his very best. RIP Muhammed Ali -

[@durellpowell3324]

Bro you are right but what made him the greatest was he went from this to the rope a dope WTF!

[@j.dragon651]

He wouldn't have been dancing around with his hands down like that with Mike. Mike would have cut off the ring and made him fight when he was in his prime. Not saying he could or would have won but it would have been much better than this fight.

[@sharp7704]

@@j.dragon651 man you gotta be crazy! Ali would’ve embarrassed Mike just like Lenox did but way worse

[@j.dragon651]

@@sharp7704 I watched both in their prime and I beg to differ. You gotta be crazy. Just opinions, and you know what opinions are like.

[@brucescott4261]

@@j.dragon651 ...Tyson wouldn't have cut of the ring on Ali, PERIOD!!! Read a book, Tysonite!

[@aymanalghamdi781]

No one can describe how perfect this is. The most perfect performance in the history of boxing.

[@trinihammer]

if my son asked whats the difference between a boxer and a fighter i would say watch that fight. ali showed the world how to box not fight .

[@Lala26845]

the true definition of "fly like a butterfly and sting like a bee" The Greatest of All Time

[@paulsanpala3557]

float like a butterfly....

[@Lof221]

The way he jumps around the ring makes him like a lightweight but the power and skill he has makes also makes him the greatest boxer ever

[@mrrahal7703]

"I'm The Greatest, I said That Even Before I knew I was" Mohammad Ali

[@alialija6698]

Bug i H

[@roge7113]

“I was indeed scared of Liston. I had to convince myself I was ,The Greatest, before I could convince the world” Muhammad Ali

[@denissssss8579]

That‘s a prime Ali. Now imagine a double prime Ali because his real prime was in the time he got suspended (1967-1970). Greatest of all time!

[@unlimitedmindflow]

Artwork! Ali at his finest! Does not get better than that!

[@laurynp2010]

I come and watch this fight every now and again, and every time it’s just as beautiful to witness as the first.

[@bobbyhulll8737]

He like a Jazz musician out there .. fluid moving unpredictable .. sharp constant .. and when he turns it up the speed and variety of his combinations is incredible .. I don’t see how any one beats this Ali for the next 5 if he isn’t forced out ... retires undefeated with Marcianos, record in hand

[@tonyar952]

I couldn’t have said it better myself, this as someone else said “beautiful boxing”, at its peak as both an art and a science.