A look back at the life and career of Carl 'The Truth' Williams, two-time challenger for the heavyweight crown.
Пікірлер: 226
@MrAtomicBulldog5 ай бұрын
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.
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
That was a great interview, Michael. Thanks for posting that.
@serenityinside15 ай бұрын
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.
@tarstarkusz5 ай бұрын
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-gc2tx5 ай бұрын
@@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
@woflmanjoe6425 ай бұрын
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.
@patrickkirwan33535 ай бұрын
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!
@mozfonky5 ай бұрын
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.
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
My pleasure, WolfmanJoe. I thought the same thing about his throat cancer.
@serenityinside15 ай бұрын
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.
@mozfonky5 ай бұрын
@@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.
@cycletouringoz57605 ай бұрын
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 🥊🥊💥💥🥊🥊
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Thank you, CTO.
@lawrencegray4765 ай бұрын
THE TRUTH IS HOLMES LOST
@Ken_Frazer-6195 ай бұрын
He should've been champion at least once
@serenityinside15 ай бұрын
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 !
@daweilee19865 ай бұрын
The only documentary ever made on Carl the truth Williams. Always brilliant.
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Thank you, Dawei
@hollywoodjoe1233 ай бұрын
There should be more information on CARL THE TRUTH WILLIAMS - HE AS A GREAT BOXER - WIN OR LOSE !
@paulhaig24675 ай бұрын
What a talented boxer/athlete he was. thanks Rich for the memories.
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Sure thing, Paul.
@mdmcdd11175 ай бұрын
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
@shawnthaicon25865 ай бұрын
That is the first time I've ever heard a fighter say the the other guy won..wow
@serenityinside15 ай бұрын
watch again - he misheard and thought he was asked if HE won. His answer still modest tho
@masterred89585 ай бұрын
Good contender from the 80s, gave larry holmes one of his toughest fights. Rest in peace.
@jeffberndt86995 ай бұрын
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.67245 ай бұрын
The Truth had a tremendous jab! I personally thought he beat Holmes
@JohnDoe-id1es5 ай бұрын
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.
@andrewhawkes73525 ай бұрын
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.....🙏🏼🩵
@KOKINGWAYNE5 ай бұрын
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🙏🏿
@Joethecatholic5 ай бұрын
Shows how good young Mike was
@tnewsome91215 ай бұрын
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.
@WarioSaysSo5 ай бұрын
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.
@johnjamele5 ай бұрын
I thought Williams beat Holmes, and only one of the judges scorecards (143-142 for Holmes) made sense.
@comanchedase5 ай бұрын
I think it was at least a clean draw.
@towers9505 ай бұрын
This channel is a delight Rich thanks for all your knowledge and hard work.
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
My pleasure, Kim.
@rojai96735 ай бұрын
Another gem documentary. Whenever you can get around to it, can you do one on Michael Olajide? He seemed like an interesting fighter
@johnjamele5 ай бұрын
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?
@incognitobrown77825 ай бұрын
Inspirational indeed. Thank you for the memories. RIP Champ
@fearnobodyandtrustnoone5 ай бұрын
Carl 'The Truth' Williams and Tommy 'The Duke' Morrison both died in the same year (2013). R.I.P. to both of them.
@daveyboy_5 ай бұрын
And people ( who dont know boxing) say that Tyson fought 'nobodies '
@christopherbellore35115 ай бұрын
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!
@masterred89585 ай бұрын
Small request: Can you make an ezzard charles video next?
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
He's on the docket but it'll be awhile.
@masterred89585 ай бұрын
@@RichtheFightHistorian Good enough.
@guywilliams65695 ай бұрын
Wow... those scores against Holmes were INSANE!!!
@robertkline67785 ай бұрын
to this day i still wonder what fight the judges were watching....CARL WON THIS FIGHT HANDS DOWN...I STILL RESPECT HOLMES
@Yogiholic5 ай бұрын
He got knocked tfo by Tyson and that’s the truth!
@SexxMode5 ай бұрын
RIP Carl "The Truth" Williams
@shawnthaicon25865 ай бұрын
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
@martindunstan80435 ай бұрын
Yeah I know what you mean,great fighters can make really good fighters look very ordinary sometimes 👍
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Thanks, Shawn. Yes, the Truth had talent and Ferguson was very well-schooled.
@kcatleticos5 ай бұрын
The Truth..
@boxerj2 ай бұрын
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.
@paulmendrina1449Ай бұрын
Should have been allowed to continue vs Tyson poor stoppage by the ref..
@DiscoFever19702 ай бұрын
I watched the Holmes/Williams fight in junior high. I thought he won that fight. Great vid.
@MrBenandrea5 ай бұрын
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
@tarstarkusz5 ай бұрын
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.
@sonnybaker20925 ай бұрын
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.
@bluffem5 ай бұрын
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.
@staraptorflock36613 ай бұрын
I didn't know about Carl William's heroic actions during 9/11
@allenlindsey11755 ай бұрын
For the al gore rhythm
@christiandinhopasillas91635 ай бұрын
A Zebra does not change its spots
@TheBatugan775 ай бұрын
Whack on. Whack off.
@winstonjames25835 ай бұрын
A men
@susanherrin12175 ай бұрын
Lol
@xmoomy5 ай бұрын
I thought he beat Larry Holmes. It was close, but Carl won.
@bkk_savateur24375 ай бұрын
Beautiful! What a quote to end this video with! Inspirational!
@MrGG19595 ай бұрын
I thought Carl clearly won the fight against Holmes.
@the_Sage715 ай бұрын
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.
@wlphantom5 ай бұрын
I like the Truth but he really seemed vulnerable to the left hook.
@bennylevine3875 ай бұрын
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.
@alangrace86285 ай бұрын
Larry got the Don King decision...Larry was Kings man... great video again rich.. you are the man 👏
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Thanks, Alan.
@phelpsmarc5 ай бұрын
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
@alangrace86285 ай бұрын
@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
@glennmcgee17295 ай бұрын
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-ch8rn5 ай бұрын
Another gem ! I always thought Carl had all the tools to be a heavy weight Champ ! He definitely was sharp when he fought Holmes 🥊
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Thanks, MPR.
@R.PMcMurphy5 ай бұрын
I like that you shine light on these types of fighters, I bet he'd be honored if he was still alive
@thegoat61165 ай бұрын
he said he gave mike tyson a hiding in sparring...
@stoplightbandit39655 ай бұрын
Another great video
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Thanks, Stoplight.
@scottsharp53372 ай бұрын
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-s5m5 ай бұрын
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-uk3vk5 ай бұрын
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.
@triplejunction70735 ай бұрын
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.
@curtismcneil86955 ай бұрын
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
@frenchgoldenboyfan5 ай бұрын
Great fighter..
@donavonhoward1144 ай бұрын
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-uk9xi5 ай бұрын
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-hu7bq5 ай бұрын
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
@vinceyoung59125 ай бұрын
Larry Holmes 2.0 he could’ve been unbelievable
@beauyerks74134 ай бұрын
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
@alangrace86285 ай бұрын
Mike weaver destroyed two boxers potential destiny, Carl and big John tate and both with a devastating left hook.
@stevenmurray57155 ай бұрын
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.
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Thanks, Steven. Agreed on The Truth.
@amc71855 ай бұрын
Huge guy with tons of skill, but his chin failed him a number of times.
@thegoat61165 ай бұрын
larry holmes robbed carl williams/ken norton/tim witherspoon in my opinion.
@serenityinside15 ай бұрын
holmes did what he always did when it was close....finish strong. that's ring smarts then later experience for ya.
@robertdudley-rx8qo5 ай бұрын
thanks for your hard work rich, i appreciate this stuff very much.
@hollywoodjoe1233 ай бұрын
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 !
@kingtyomama65644 ай бұрын
The two scores of 146-139 were garbage.
@mrmoon14825 ай бұрын
Wow I didn’t know he had passed away at such a young age, RIP
@Ken_Frazer-6195 ай бұрын
33:44 Weaver is hurt 33:47 Then this happens
@emokellen5 ай бұрын
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!
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Thanks so much, emokellen.
@emokellen5 ай бұрын
@@RichtheFightHistorian Dude! You're like the best!
@johnpittsii75245 ай бұрын
Thanks for the video Rich
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Sure thing, John.
@Nathan-i8p3 ай бұрын
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.
@RichtheFightHistorian3 ай бұрын
Thanks, Nathan, more on the way.
@gareth1974barrington5 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for doing a documentary on Carl " The Truth " Williams
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Sure thing, Gareth.
@patton19095 ай бұрын
A very talented boxer ….
@mh25845 ай бұрын
Holmes was da truth
@zippydoo95335 ай бұрын
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.
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Thank you, ZippyDoo. I'll have to look more into Corro.
@zippydoo95335 ай бұрын
@@RichtheFightHistorian Thanks Rich.
@MrCrystalcranium5 ай бұрын
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.
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Agreed. Holmes had tremendous heart. I thought he overtook Williams on willpower.
@paulbroderick42175 ай бұрын
Dropping that right hand was a terrible flaw that probably cost The Truth a lot Great job Rich
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Thank you, Paul.
@Aristotelezz5 ай бұрын
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.
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
The newspapers here stopped that practice now. I don't know exactly when but they don't do that anymore.
@itsnotme38825 ай бұрын
Great jab but Carl never had head movement, that’s why he would get caught and dropped
@serenityinside15 ай бұрын
i was thinking that ! He stood very upright and indeed his head moved comparatively little thus inviting disaster.
@AlasHatem5 ай бұрын
Can you please do a documentary on Rocky graziano ❤
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Yes, he is on my to do list, just don't know when I'll get to him just yet.
@Fistoffury5045 ай бұрын
Hell of a fighter! Love your channel!
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Thanks, DG.
@claypearson83805 ай бұрын
It’s so funny to hear Keith Jackson and Marv Alberts doing boxing!!😂🤣
@guywilliams65695 ай бұрын
Nothing Tommy Morrison did was "the best in the business"... lol... well, other than JUICE...
@stephendeluca44795 ай бұрын
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.
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
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.
@stephendeluca44795 ай бұрын
@@RichtheFightHistorian Well, you can only work with what you've got.
@2383Scorpio3 ай бұрын
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.
@RichtheFightHistorian3 ай бұрын
Thanks, Scorpio.
@2383Scorpio3 ай бұрын
@@RichtheFightHistorian No problem Rich and you're welcome.
@uncjim5 ай бұрын
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.
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
Thank you, uncjim.
@Cychopath994 ай бұрын
The decision of his fight with Holmes is just disgraceful👎👎 RIP CARL williams
@bluelivesmatter719Ай бұрын
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.
@chrisstraittalk5 ай бұрын
Have you done a documentary on Buck Smith? Would be very interesting… guy fought like twice a week for years
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
I remember him but will have to look more into his back story.
@chrisstraittalk5 ай бұрын
@@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_Brands5 ай бұрын
Thanks for the Fantastic Video. Williams had alot of heart and talent.
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
My pleasure, Rene.
@Grudeman40819 күн бұрын
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 👏👏
@guywilliams65695 ай бұрын
Tommy's "one dimension" is the ONE punch this dude TRUTHFULLY gets hit with!
@johnjamele5 ай бұрын
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-rx8qo5 ай бұрын
thanks for your hard work rich, i appreciate this stuff very much.
@TheCatseyepub5 ай бұрын
Two great referees in this video, Larry Hazzard, boy could he dance, and Mills Lane.
@OliverMichalFetraHarboe5 ай бұрын
Could you do a documentary on Ezzard Charles, i’d love to see that.
@RichtheFightHistorian5 ай бұрын
He's on the to do list, yes.
@OliverMichalFetraHarboe5 ай бұрын
Great.
@guywilliams65695 ай бұрын
Man... EVERYONE wanted to be Ali in promos!
@mikemurphy89965 ай бұрын
125k for a shitty Mercedes. Wow.
@JosephMiller-hu7bq5 ай бұрын
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