Ali's Perfect Performance Explained - Muhammad Ali vs Cleveland Williams Breakdown

[@TheModernMartialArtist]

New DISCORD: discord.gg/ZaYPaKfB I'll be in for a bit after this video airs and in voice chat for Spence vs Crawford!

[@aliabu-talib332]

Dude. Have You Ever Thought About Being A Coach?

[@peaceful_warrior7627]

You did surveys on you community page little while ago. This is the kind of gems you should breakdown from time to time to maintain enthusiasm.

[@dripdrop7363]

U should do ail vs ernie terrell

[@ScroogeMcDuck.]

@ TMMA, WHAT’S YOUR ANALYSIS OF THE TERENCE CRAWFORD AND ERROL SPENCE FIGHT?? WE NEED THAT VID 💥🥊

[@smokinjoe6254]

Whaat?! How did I miss this 😢

[@tdyerwestfield]

The fact a fight from 1966 is still held up as a perfect example of elite Boxing just shows the level that Ali was at.

[@thinkingagain5966]

Joe Frazier kicked his ass

[@salvadorlucero1034]

​@@thinkingagain5966 boy don't go talking all that shit now you will start a war in the comment section 😂

[@TheModernMartialArtist]

War! War! War in the comment section!

[@azzrhei]

​@@thinkingagain5966so what . They're even anyway.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

You do know boxers were better in the past than today. Due to them training more, having more fights, better stamina and much better accuracy than today I.e. this fight Ali lands 62% of his punches, which was higher than the average back then for a heavyweight world title holder which was 40%+, and much, much higher than modern heavyweight title holders, who's accuracy is around 20 - 30%.

[@Rockstarrclarke]

He created so much distance so fast. Ali has the best foot work I’ve seen in any division. He weaved so eloquently and graciously.

[@Studentofsweetscience]

Cleveland Williams was 9 years older and couldn't train properly the entire year because he was in a hospital after a .357 magnum bullet hit him point blank in the stomach then lodged in his right hip. Williams had to undergo four operations in the next seven months. Williams right kidney had to be removed in June 1965. Doctors could not extract the bullet, which had broken his right hip joint and caused partial paralysis of some of the hip's muscles, he also lost over 10 feet of his small intestine, and sustained nerve damage which affected his left leg above the knee and caused it to atrophy as a result. Williams hung on and survived, his weight went down to 150 lbs during his recovery stage. A shadow of himself, 10 feet of intestines and one kidney removed, limping with nerve and hip damages, he was a physical and mental wreck but needed the money. The Texans in the boxing business knew Williams had virtually no chance against Ali. But it was Williams one-shot at the title, so he took it. It was a vomit inducing display of point and shoot for Ali, probably the low point in his heavyweight run. Image if Ali had been gut-shot with .357 magnum and almost died 4 times on the operating table, and was fighting a year or so later. Ignoring any and all facts his fans stand firm in their beliefs that Ali was magical the night he fought Cleveland, striking him like ⚒️-THOR-⚒️ and moving around with the speed of ⚡-FLASH-⚡Some eyewitnesses even swore it looked as if Ali was floating on 🌊-WATER-🌊. He was faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, Ali was Super-🦇-Man.

[@petergreen5337]

Absolutely CORRECT and true. As proved by history and the comment ary above

[@BarrySlisk]

I once saw Ali fight a toddler. Ali danced around the toddler confusing him and then he'd sting like a bee. Never have I seen such a beatdown. Ali's best performance. Point: Cleveland was a shot stationary target. Everyone would look good against him at this point.

[@edbd4613]

And countered with unbelievable speed.

[@jamesanthony5681]

I know exactly what you're saying. I'n the mid '80's, I saw the' 85 Chicago Bears play a local high school football team, and I've never seen a team so beat up, so overwhelmed as that HS team on that day when Chicago won 135-0, limiting those guys to 5 yards total offense. The greatest an NFL Team has ever looked. ABSOLUTE DEVASTATION.

[@SHOW_ME]

Ali is the definition of timeless. No matter what era of boxing, he is always relevant

[@petergreen5337]

Yes indeed absolutely CORRECT and true. Well said.

[@joetrie]

No he is outdated

[@cullex.2851]

@@joetrieRight...

[@mtroy0620]

@@joetrie troll get a job

[@joetrie]

@@mtroy0620 the worst era of heavy weight boxing

[@godmelanin2676]

Can never grow tired of Ali analysis

[@sweetazzpiew8490]

@godmelanin2676 Me either, never grow tired..

[@markjonesdoc74]

As good as it gets just a shame he was banned at his peak we missed 4 years of prime Ali 😢

[@jessejordache1869]

I always compare it to like, learning that Vermeer actually had another dozen masterpieces but they were lost in a fire before anyone saw them.

[@coosonthaloose4036]

That’s dumb AF. Doctors were telling him to quit long before that. You see how he ended up disabled? Shoulda stopped before it changed him, got greedy

[@johnharris8191]

He should have fought for his country like Marciano who is the real greatest did.

[@SeeShah2oiiiiooii-ko4uc]

@@johnharris8191Nope, you can be a racist white supremacist all you want, but Ali is the best boxer, fought in one of the best eras, and won against both his country and his opponents

[@hj_1881]

3*

[@MultiTopgearfan]

He was savage, and he was literally untouchable. This is prime Muhammad Ali at his absolute peak. This is boxing perfection.

[@Studentofsweetscience]

Cleveland Williams was 9 years older and couldn't train properly the entire year because he was in a hospital after a .357 magnum bullet hit him point blank in the stomach then lodged in his right hip. Williams had to undergo four operations in the next seven months. Williams right kidney had to be removed in June 1965. Doctors could not extract the bullet, which had broken his right hip joint and caused partial paralysis of some of the hip's muscles, he also lost over 10 feet of his small intestine, and sustained nerve damage which affected his left leg above the knee and caused it to atrophy as a result. Williams hung on and survived, his weight went down to 150 lbs during his recovery stage. A shadow of himself, 10 feet of intestines and one kidney removed, limping with nerve and hip damages, he was a physical and mental wreck but needed the money. The Texans in the boxing business knew Williams had virtually no chance against Ali. But it was Williams one-shot at the title, so he took it. It was a vomit inducing display of point and shoot for Ali, probably the low point in his heavyweight run. Image if Ali had been gut-shot with .357 magnum and almost died 4 times on the operating table, and was fighting a year or so later. Ignoring any and all facts his fans stand firm in their beliefs that Ali was magical the night he fought Cleveland, striking him like ⚒️-THOR-⚒️ and moving around with the speed of ⚡-FLASH-⚡Some eyewitnesses even swore it looked as if Ali was floating on 🌊-WATER-🌊. He was faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, Ali was Super-🦇-Man.

[@saqib7965]

​@@Studentofsweetscienceali whooped everyone in 60s Liston to chavalo

[@petergreen5337]

Well said and well OBSERVED.

[@joetrie]

@@saqib7965 bums cruisers and has beens

[@myerbarry9912]

@@joetrie bums? Who?

[@denzilmendes4338]

There will be none like Muhammad Ali ❤

[@hj_1881]

wait for me

[@petergreen5337]

❤CORRECT

[@MehrdadParthian]

i'm glad you're back creating videos on muhammad ali. its always my go to content !

[@SudanGuy]

Just rewatched this fight yesterday. Absolute masterclass from Ali. Yes, Williams was recovering from wounds, but Ali’s speed and technique was at peak here. Only Ali’s fight against Ernie Terrell can rival this as his best fight.

[@Studentofsweetscience]

Cleveland Williams was 9 years older and couldn't train properly the entire year because he was in a hospital after a .357 magnum bullet hit him point blank in the stomach then lodged in his right hip. Williams had to undergo four operations in the next seven months. Williams right kidney had to be removed in June 1965. Doctors could not extract the bullet, which had broken his right hip joint and caused partial paralysis of some of the hip's muscles, he also lost over 10 feet of his small intestine, and sustained nerve damage which affected his left leg above the knee and caused it to atrophy as a result. Williams hung on and survived, his weight went down to 150 lbs during his recovery stage. A shadow of himself, 10 feet of intestines and one kidney removed, limping with nerve and hip damages, he was a physical and mental wreck but needed the money. The Texans in the boxing business knew Williams had virtually no chance against Ali. But it was Williams one-shot at the title, so he took it. It was a vomit inducing display of point and shoot for Ali, probably the low point in his heavyweight run. Image if Ali had been gut-shot with .357 magnum and almost died 4 times on the operating table, and was fighting a year or so later. Ignoring any and all facts his fans stand firm in their beliefs that Ali was magical the night he fought Cleveland, striking him like ⚒️-THOR-⚒️ and moving around with the speed of ⚡-FLASH-⚡Some eyewitnesses even swore it looked as if Ali was floating on 🌊-WATER-🌊. He was faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, Ali was Super-🦇-Man.

[@Studentofsweetscience]

Low-power Ali tried more than he'd ever tried before to KO someone, but Ernie Terrell was still standing in the end with zero problems. Little 205lb Norton snapped his jaw. Little 205lb Frazier knocked him into LA LAND. Low-power Ali is so over hyped it's beyond ridiculous, it's laughable.

[@Camcolito]

"Yes, his opponent had been shot and had half his guts left, BUT!"

[@sportstalkonly1442]

​@@Studentofsweetscienceyet he took punches from guys that are considered the hardest punchers ever in George foreman and earning shavers. Foreman was lifting cows, carrying jeeps uphill, and denting heavy bags. Tf r u talking about.

[@Studentofsweetscience]

@@sportstalkonly1442 Big George PANICKED.... everyone can see that.. meantime the entire world Demanded a rematch but Ali refused. Ali went back to completely washed Frazier lol.

[@KingCuba]

10:50 I really had to choke back a tear at this. Well said, there’s something about the Golden Era that really does echo throughout time. Great video David

[@petergreen5337]

❤CORRECT

[@devonpitter7733]

Muhammad Ali, in his prime, displayed the greatest, and most unparalleled boxing: skills, manouvering, and dexterity ever seen.

[@memphismaverick100]

Jaw dropping ! Prime Ali was a thing of destructive beauty. There will never be another to approach this brother. GOAT ! Great analysis !

[@PeteHob]

Interesting analysis. A pre-exile Ali was simply amazing to watch.

[@aliasif8498]

Its like his hands,feet and head had a mind of their own...He moved so eloquently while landing most of the shots so effortlessly...its definitely a treat to eyes to watch him box...Nobody can come close to his boxing style of floating like a butterfly and stinging like a bee...Rest in peace GOAT...no doubt the greatest of all times inside and outside the ring..

[@petergreen5337]

Precisely. Well said and well REASONED.

[@bode228]

And its the ease of throwing those punches that often make some people come to the conclusion that they are not heavy punches....RIP Ali, the best before the rest!

[@MrTee-hw7mp]

Watching Ali move in the Williams fight is like watching a great artist paint a masterpiece before your eyes. It’s a work of art.

[@JG-DivMan]

As always -- a fine analysis of a master class by Ali. "Great vengeance and furious anger..." Love the Pulp Fiction reference.

[@paysonfox88]

What does Marcellus Wallace look like? Does he look like a btich?.... so why you treating him like one?

[@drplot1]

You're analysis is so detailed and nuanced. I've watched this fight at least a dozen of times but never understood the fine points of Ali's techniques. Bravo!

[@Veloce2000]

There will never be another Ali who talked, fought & dance. RIP Muhammad Ali❤

[@InimitaPaul]

Bro, I love your work so please take this with the respect that’s intended: On November 28, 1964, Williams, picked up on suspicion of DUI, brawled with a state highway patrolman named Dale Witten. The result: Witten drew his gun and, in the ensuing struggle, shot Williams at point blank range. “Then,” Williams would recall years later, “I went to hell.” Randy Gordon summed up the damage in World Boxing: “A .357 magnum slug had ripped into his body, traveled through his colon and bowel, penetrated his ureter, damaged some of the nerves controlling his legs, destroyed one of his kidneys, and came to rest in his right hip joint.” Over the next year or so, Williams underwent multiple surgical procedures and withered away into a skeletal version of himself. He lost one of his kidneys, had loops of his intestines removed, suffered partial paralysis in his left leg, and limped away with a bleak souvenir of his bloody tribulation: The bullet that nearly killed him remained lodged in his hip for the rest of his life. For Williams, seeing the light at the end of the tunnel left him slightly unhinged. In a desperate fugue, he crept over to the notorious Fifth Ward, where he slept in a car and wandered the streets at night. Finally, like a forlorn stray, Williams was picked up from the Houston gutters and returned to his manager, Hugh Benbow, who put him to work on his ranch in Yoakum. Williams built himself back into a fair replica of his pre-ICU days, and he returned to the ring to wallop a few bindlestiffs at the Sam Houston Coliseum down on Bagby Street. He was half the fighter he used to be. Even so, he maneuvered his way into a title shot with the help of publicity-hungry Benbow. (Oilman, rancher, wiseacre-Hugh Benbow might qualify as Runyonesque for some, but he was closer to the flesh-peddlers depicted by Robert Wise in The Set-Up or Budd Schulberg in The Harder They Fall. “Get up and fight, you yellow son of a bitch!” he squalled from ringside after Williams had been poleaxed by Ali.)

[@abdihassan7208]

source?

[@InimitaPaul]

@@abdihassan7208 Search Google for “Hannibal Boxing Brief Lives: Cleveland Williams” - I’d add a link but KZbin auto deletes them.

[@CarlDaCool168]

@@abdihassan7208You can find it easily. This actually happened.

[@Mal_Messiah]

I watched this fight for the first time last night before I slept, then shortly after I woke up this was uploaded. awesome!

[@gordonaughenbaugh9004]

Thanks for helping make it happen!

[@Alex-cw3rz]

I think one other thing that has to also be said is Ali's accuracy almost every punch he throws he lands and he lands them exactly were he wanted it to land. It's beautiful he landed 62% of his punches, keep in mind modern title holding heavyweights land between 20 - 30% of their shots. And even back in Ali's day when it was 40% plus, this is amazing accuracy 25 - 50% more accurate compared to his peers.

[@sharpvidtube]

Heavy hands too, often what looks like a tap, sent his opponent to the canvas. You have to see the slow motion to appreciate it sometimes, as he was so fast.

[@Studentofsweetscience]

Cleveland Williams was 9 years older and couldn't train properly the entire year because he was in a hospital after a .357 magnum bullet hit him point blank in the stomach then lodged in his right hip. Williams had to undergo four operations in the next seven months. Williams right kidney had to be removed in June 1965. Doctors could not extract the bullet, which had broken his right hip joint and caused partial paralysis of some of the hip's muscles, he also lost over 10 feet of his small intestine, and sustained nerve damage which affected his left leg above the knee and caused it to atrophy as a result. Williams hung on and survived, his weight went down to 150 lbs during his recovery stage. A shadow of himself, 10 feet of intestines and one kidney removed, limping with nerve and hip damages, he was a physical and mental wreck but needed the money. The Texans in the boxing business knew Williams had virtually no chance against Ali. But it was Williams one-shot at the title, so he took it. It was a vomit inducing display of point and shoot for Ali, probably the low point in his heavyweight run. Image if Ali had been gut-shot with .357 magnum and almost died 4 times on the operating table, and was fighting a year or so later. Ignoring any and all facts his fans stand firm in their beliefs that Ali was magical the night he fought Cleveland, striking him like ⚒️-THOR-⚒️ and moving around with the speed of ⚡-FLASH-⚡Some eyewitnesses even swore it looked as if Ali was floating on 🌊-WATER-🌊. He was faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, Ali was Super-🦇-Man.

[@Studentofsweetscience]

Low-power Ali tried more than he'd ever tried before to KO someone, but Ernie Terrell was still standing in the end with zero problems. Little 205lb Norton snapped his jaw. Little 205lb Frazier knocked him into LA LAND. Low-power Ali is so over hyped it's beyond ridiculous, it's laughable.

[@BarrySlisk]

@@Studentofsweetscience Thanks! Nice to read some reason once in a while. I also find Ali overrated.

[@davidrees7059]

@@Studentofsweetscience How is he overhyped? He beat elite level fighters throughout his career which lasted 20 years! What you smoking bud?

[@cartersaviking0494]

I love watching Ali, you breaking it down just enhances it.

[@datatron100]

I was literally thinking yesterday I wish The Modern Martial Artist would cover more of Prime Ali and then boom you upload this haha, amazing video as always of the greatest performance in boxing from the greatest of all time.

[@SOLE_II_SOUL]

I love Ali and this is a masterclass but legs, torso and hips is everything in boxing, and Cleveland came in not the same. Cleveland was shot in the stomach and the bullet lodged in his right hip. Williams underwent four operations over the subsequent seven months to address injuries to his colon and right kidney. The right kidney ultimately had to be removed in June 1965. Just a brief history lesson from Google, though I think Ali would’ve beaten a healthy Cleveland Williams in spectacular fashion either way.

[@Studentofsweetscience]

Cleveland Williams was 9 years older and couldn't train properly the entire year because he was in a hospital after a .357 magnum bullet hit him point blank in the stomach then lodged in his right hip. Williams had to undergo four operations in the next seven months. Williams right kidney had to be removed in June 1965. Doctors could not extract the bullet, which had broken his right hip joint and caused partial paralysis of some of the hip's muscles, he also lost over 10 feet of his small intestine, and sustained nerve damage which affected his left leg above the knee and caused it to atrophy as a result. Williams hung on and survived, his weight went down to 150 lbs during his recovery stage. A shadow of himself, 10 feet of intestines and one kidney removed, limping with nerve and hip damages, he was a physical and mental wreck but needed the money. The Texans in the boxing business knew Williams had virtually no chance against Ali. But it was Williams one-shot at the title, so he took it. It was a vomit inducing display of point and shoot for Ali, probably the low point in his heavyweight run. Image if Ali had been gut-shot with .357 magnum and almost died 4 times on the operating table, and was fighting a year or so later. Ignoring any and all facts his fans stand firm in their beliefs that Ali was magical the night he fought Cleveland, striking him like ⚒️-THOR-⚒️ and moving around with the speed of ⚡-FLASH-⚡Some eyewitnesses even swore it looked as if Ali was floating on 🌊-WATER-🌊. He was faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, Ali was Super-🦇-Man.

[@sportstalkonly1442]

​@@Studentofsweetscienceafter he was shot he had a 4 fight win streak and a 5 fight win streak after losing to Ali, including 4 kos and 2 tkos.

[@Studentofsweetscience]

@@sportstalkonly1442 against who??? Let's go through each of those opponents one at a time,, shall we???

[@sportstalkonly1442]

@@Studentofsweetscience lost against ernire terell won 9 straight fights, 4 of them was after he was shot. Then lost to Ali and won 5 straight fights.

[@sportstalkonly1442]

@@Studentofsweetscience u ain't a student of sh1t. U just a bum internet keyboard warrior. Who talk like he knows something about boxing.

[@yrovie]

This is the best exhibition of a boxing match I've seen in any weight class. It also served to show that Ali was just approaching his prime years (25 - 28) for a boxer; the nexus between ability, skill and experience. "Because of the forced lay off, the world never really got to see the best of Ali, but what they saw was plenty." said Angelo Dundee.

[@cavaleer]

He was just starting to hit his prime in this fight. What a shame we never got to see him in full flight.

[@petergreen5337]

Agreed 100% . His tools and body were coming together.

[@thatguy7-7-7]

Just imagine the shows he would have put on for the world to see

[@johnharris8191]

I read more and more excuses for Ali who actually was not the GOAT

[@Dras7311]

Ur delusional ​@@johnharris8191

[@azzrhei]

This is one of the reason why he is loved by many because he was ahead of his time.

[@saqib7965]

Ali was untouchable around 64 to 66 shame we missed out on 4 years of his prime but beating the outside your prime is even more impressive

[@timfoster4582]

Yep, he got his draft notice the same time as i did and his sparring partner who served with me, 1964-66 Clay changed his name to Ali and chickened out of the service

[@Gremmy1736]

@@timfoster4582 He didnt chicken out he just saw no point in fighting for a country that treated him unfairly against people who have done nothing to him

[@TheHide.1318]

1967 ali almost reached his peak

[@MattanzaMafiaFedora]

Great analysis as usual! More fights to consider a breakdown of which to include: Rocky Marciano vs Jersey Joe Walcott Norton vs Ali III Holyfield vs Bowe II & III Lennox Lewis vs Ray Mercer Lennox Lewis vs Frank Bruno - The Battle of Britain - Joe Calzaghe vs Chris Eubank Lennox Lewis vs Vitali Klitchsko Nigel Benn vs Chris Eubank I & II Nigel Benn vs Gerald McClellan Joe Calzaghe vs Jeff Lacey Joe Calzaghe vs Mikkell Kessler Joe Calzaghe vs Bernard Hopkins Joe Calzaghe vs Roy Jones Jr

[@turbo8628]

Not sure he would do the benn mcclellan fight. It's an important fight in boxing, but not for the actual boxing.

[@MattanzaMafiaFedora]

@@turbo8628 You could say the same about 'No Mas' tbh. I'd argue that the lessons it has to teach are just as important as the Thrilla in Manilla, as Ali and Frazier got off easy compared to McClellan.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

You a bit of a Joe Calzaghe fan then?

[@grahamhill676]

Good to see some Calzaghe on here. Underrated like hell

[@turbo8628]

@@MattanzaMafiaFedora No mas was a boxing clinic and the breaking down of a fighters will, and one which had seemed unbreakable to that point. That fight was memorable for what happened in the ring. Mclellan was arrogant to the point of thinking he never needed his corner, hiring yes men who had no clue what they were doing. His downfall was his own doing, which is a horrible thing to say, but it's a fact. The fight was memorable because of the aftermath. He used to be involved in dogfighting too, and you know the comment section is going to devolve cos of that. I think the modern martial artist would be wise to stay away from this horror show.

[@jamesdean1143]

“You just can’t catch him” Cleveland Williams

[@jk_46]

Ali was light years ahead of other boxers from his era when it came too strategy, he really was in another league! Moving backwards and knock a guy down early on in the fight. Not many have ever been able to do that. Hands by his sides, moving slipping punches and my favorite those throw away punches he would all to often throw followed by shots that he made count. One of my favorite boxers to watch, never scared to fight anyone not even after he was out for 3 years.

[@k.rick_9993]

Sugar Ray Robinson did it before him. I don’t think I’ve seen any other heavyweights do it though.

[@jk_46]

@@k.rick_9993 another great boxer ahead of his time.

[@k.rick_9993]

@@jk_46I would say their time had a lot of great boxers

[@haikazumadesu36]

His infighting was also underrated, and had some good grappling even George Foreman couldn't use his style against him. 😂

[@cianmcnamara6104]

We will never see a Muhammad Ali again

[@amodestpileofgarbage1146]

But at least we got to see him

[@tekoa.9450]

“…a beautiful symphony of violence…” David, you are masterful in your work!

[@fuyu5979]

Awesome upload with Spot On analysis n strategy of the fight. Kudos. Provide more uploads of boxers like Marvin Hagler; Iron Mike etc. Peace

[@youtoo2233]

Would have been very interesting to see this Ali against Frazier. In their second fight in '74 Ali looked a little bit like this but he held a lot, in the 60's he probably wouldn't have needed to clinch

[@AnthonyRobinson-dc3pq]

He wouldn't

[@lawrencelowe193]

EXCELLENT work Sir..Beautiful and so professionally delivered...YOU do your homework!..BRAVO..

[@luismarcialvergaradiaz5363]

I haven't watched the fight but i heard it was the best performance of ali and now we're getting a breakdown of the whole thing, thanks TMMA!

[@trollbane66]

I find Cleveland's journey back into the ring to be far more inspiring than Ali's performance in this fight. It is a miracle that Cleveland made it back. It was a victory for him to be standing in the ring again.

[@cheche2459]

Muhammad Ali was the best rarest Professinal Boxer in his Generation

[@petergreen5337]

Yes of all generations. We are still in awe DECADES later.

[@bhaynes64]

There is no one, and I mean no one, that would beat this version of Muhammad Ali! He's the greatest of all time, and it isn't even close. RIP Champ.

[@arsenal-slr9552]

My favorite Ali fight on my birthday. Wilson Kaydens old breakdown of this fight is one of the reasons I watch boxing today. Great video as always.

[@panchopantera7]

"DANCE OF DEATH"...Bro, your narrations are epic. Your knowledge of the combative arts and the information you unleash are why I love being a subscriber...You bring a smile to my face every time I watch your videos...and as I said before, I rather watch your breakdowns than the actual fights, in fact; right after I watch your breakdowns I go and watch the actual fight...something missing though, your narrations...but I have a better understanding of what is happening; the little things that sometimes too fast I missed before. Excellent Work! BRAVO! 👏

[@peterparsons7141]

What a terrific video. Some of the photos are fantastic, and the analysis excellent. I saw an interview with George Chuvalo, and he mentions the same point you made regarding allowing punches to miss by 1”. George said there were times where Ali was setup perfect to be hit, and punch would sail by the chin just barely missing. And he did it repeatedly..

[@maherzain434]

This, along with the struggles and challenges he faced outside the ring is what makes him the greatest of all time. People nowadays dont know what great means

[@goyonman9655]

What struggles did he face outside the ring

[@cullex.2851]

@@goyonman9655Death threats, hate, his license getting revoked at the height of his career, etc.

[@goyonman9655]

@@cullex.2851 Bullshit Nobody was going to kill him. And the media universally adored him Licence revovked turned him into a martyr celebrity figure

[@remyhavoc4463]

1:29 "The bell rang and the butterfly floated around the ring" Bars 💯😂

[@gamekid2420]

He never hit a falling opponent… that is greatness

[@hansjoachimthiel2503]

Yeah, so he did with George Foreman who appreciated this so much when watching the fight on video after thinking he never lost!

[@terrywright9765]

Amazing for a heavyweight to move like that round after round. The Master of his craft.

[@daleigou943]

Great commentary!

[@alektech7436]

Sweet mother of God! Didnt even dream about you breaking that down! Awesomeeeee

[@jamesbarbour8400]

Whilst I personally used to think this was indeed Alis' greatest fight, my opinion was leavened by the fact that Cleveland Williams was on the decline physically by the time this fight came around. He had been shot by an over zealous Policeman (now where have we heard that before.....), had had part of his intestine taken out and a kidney too I think. One of his legs suffered muscle atrophy as a result of the same shooting incident. I had read elsewhere that he was actually terrified to get in the ring with Ali, but to give him credit, he stood toe to toe and didn't try to run away. It was therefore a rather one sided affair. I think Alis' fight against Ernie Terrell was a more realistic showing of his rather unorthodox skill set. Terrell certainly wasn't afraid of Ali like Williams was and had a good solid defence in the so called peek a boo style. Like Williams, Terrell was a good deal more muscular than Ali, but as the rounds wore on, the difference in skill level, not to mention Alis' insane level of stamina won out. I doubt Terrell ever called him Cassius Clay again, after that whoopin' !

[@Tennyhu]

Incredible breakdown !!

[@jeffg6008]

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

[@murtalasaleh7311]

3.5 years Ali forced exile was a crime against humanity 😢

[@Kuragdar]

Even your use of language. I absolutely love your commentaries!

[@jonathanwilliams8309]

Another superb video that was a pleasure to watch. This version of the Greatest beats any Heavyweight in history, by stoppage.

[@yoursportsnow9729]

Nobody was ready for a heavyweight with that kind of speed back then.

[@mlungisizondo8827]

Your videos are always great.. Thank you

[@LoganNagol]

I honestly think his most impressive performance was his first match against Liston

[@Harry24766]

This was an amazing performance from prime Ali. But I agree with you, the Liston fight to me was a even better performance, because of the level of his opponent.

[@paysonfox88]

Here is a case for Sonny Liston being one of the best boxers ever. His promoters and trainers claimed to have been born in 1932 or so , so that he could be licensed... but his real birthday was in 1919-1921. He started boxing in the 50's professionally. He may not have been licensed if they told the boxing commission his real age , so they had to lie to get him on track to get good fights. \ He was fighting Ali when he was 43-45 yrs old. That';s one hell of a handicap to give Ali. Ali would've out-pointed Sonny at any age, but being 2x Ali's age could not have helped him in the stamina department. Sonny couldn't catch him and got too tired chasing him around.

[@petergreen5337]

YES in terms of results. Here we are looking at 1) technique 2) footwork. 3) know how 4) delivery of knockout.

[@ronald8792]

I think the Foreman fight is my favorite Ali boxing match because he never ducked, thus, taking away George's deadly uppercut.

[@cullex.2851]

@@paysonfox88True, but Ali fought Liston while blind for 2/7 rounds, he was still considered a kid, and I saw a documentary claiming Ali was 199.

[@stuartcamps2205]

without all the crappy fight hype of other channels, you do these shows with the same finesse and class as some of the fighters you feature... rare these days... :)

[@kurimao65]

Ali turned boxing into an artform.

[@pavlemarinkovic6081]

There will never be someone like him again

[@nicolasmanopla4584]

Great analysis of my favourite boxing fight

[@crinawma314]

Ali was beautiful. As far as i can tell he doesn't hold grudges. He box for something bigger than himself. He is the one motivating his team when it's supposed to be the other way around Mike Tyson: "Ali's a giant" Couldn't have said it better myself.

[@goodboi1725]

Frazier’s existence makes me question that claim a lot. Doesn’t mean anything though since they mellowed out after the Manila fight

[@DrVonChilla]

Ali's overhand right is the prettiest punch the world of boxing will ever see. That's not my opinion....That's Just The Way It Is. MUHAMMAD ALI LIVES

[@charliediaz7512]

Ali would have beaten anyone in history that night

[@ScroogeMcDuck.]

@ TMMA, WHAT’S YOUR ANALYSIS OF THE TERENCE CRAWFORD AND ERROL SPENCE FIGHT?? WE NEED THAT VID 💥🥊

[@h20s8804]

These videos are fantastic. The Greatest, no doubt.

[@bubrzubr5940]

I almost forgot to watch this fight today. Thanks for a reminder.

[@markmiller5558]

The Big Cat at this time was a shadow of his former self. People seem to forget that 2 years before he fought Ali he was shot in the abdomen with a .357. His injuries were grievous. He had a kidney removed, 10 feet of his small intestine removed, his right hip socket was broken with extensive nerve damage to both legs causing atrophy and partial paralysis. It is debatable if he could have ever won against Ali in his prime, but the '66 version probably shouldn't have even been fighting. He never stood a chance

[@jamesdean1143]

Like Ken Norton, Cleveland Williams kept his eyes down in the pre match instructions.

[@Horizon344]

Cassius' best match was the last Frazier contest, this against Williams was an excellent exhibition performance by him against an opponent who was a shadow of himself after being shot by a cop the previous year in the stomach. Williams shouldn't have been in the ring at all after that, as this shows. It's a brilliant exhibition of Cassius's ability, but being against a 3rd rate opponent can't be regarded as a real test. Dundee was of the view that Cassius' best performances were never seen because of the lost years 1967-70 due to the ban.

[@knuckandfenn]

Dont think i ever saw Ali throw so many body punches.

[@massi6528]

There's another one amongst many whom Ali inspired the most... Roy Jones Jr.

[@fromunderthekilt6310]

This victory shouldn’t be used as an example of a dominant win, as even tho it was that, Williams had been shot at point blank range in the gut by a 357 magnum, died 4 times on the table, and lost a bunch of his colon and leg muscles. Ali would’ve beaten him anyway but it wouldn’t have been as easy if it was before this. Williams was a hard hard puncher who fought Liston twice and stood up to him which was rare. It’s a fantastic display by Ali yes and Ali was the best Heavyweight ever, but this fight shouldn’t be used as an example of how good he was. Cleveland was half the fighter he once was at this point. This is why Ali n didn’t talk much after the fight or make fun of Williams. He knew himself he was at an advantage. The fact that Williams even walked after that is insane, let alone fight a prime Ali. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore. Rest well C.W and M.A.

[@Joshua-uw7wm]

9:34 that pulp fiction Bible verse quote thingy was freaking awesome

[@earljohnson2613]

Fun Fact:Bruce Lee once said his bounce in his movie when he fought Chuck Norris comes from watching the greatest Muhammed Ali

[@jacarlohairston1499]

Ali against Cleveland vs. Tyson against Spinks is my answer to everything

[@thecoldbrewking]

one of my favorite performances from the GOAT this one and the Terrell fight

[@Henry1405]

Approx 57 years ago I asked a heavyweight champion how would he like to fight Ali. His reply was "You're joking. When I fight a boxer I wait for him to drop his guard then I knock him out. How do you fight Ali whose guard is dropped all the time?"

[@Guns359]

You said it henry .. Hats off ... GOAT.....

[@jimibeamon7316]

The GOAT at work!!!!! Masterpiece!!!!

[@fantasymangacomicvisionary5688]

Ali in his Prime had God Like Stamina, Vision, Speed and Skills. The Greatest Of All Times. During this time they had to slow down Ali career with the B.S or he would've made them look so inferior it wouldn't have been funny.

[@ellejaycopeland8835]

This is my favorite boxing match from my personal Goat Ali when he died I cried miss you champ.

[@eddicarlo5362]

Crazy to think that this isn’t even Ali in his true prime. We never got to see the very best of Ali.

[@shmookins]

The ref should've called the fight earlier. Williams' legs were unstable among other things a while before the call.

[@KK-fi6ms]

Ali turned brawling into an art-form. A real martial artist.

[@ballhawk387]

I don't think any boxer known to humanity could have beat Ali at the top of his game, which this fight was. He was truly in a class of his own. With his chin and mobility unmatched for a heavyweight, he could have even survived and outpointed Marciano.

[@Fathervinyard]

my favourite ali fight ali displayed his full armoury in this fight …. against a shot big cat though must be mentioned

[@earthwizard1]

Great video as usual

[@yawontsmokemebicth4922]

Ik Ima needs a Marco Antonio Barrera or Juan Francisco Estrada fighting style explained great vid by the Way

[@verrufen2642]

Might this be the only fight on record where Ali utilises the body jab consistently?

[@phantomforester9337]

He used it against Terrell. You can see it most when Terrell adopts a peekaboo--Terrell then went into a crouch to avoid the body jabs.

[@verrufen2642]

@@phantomforester9337 and that's gotta be considered his second most dominant performance, right after this fight

[@thiagoballock5273]

Amazing video. Obrigado

[@THEPRINCEOFKINGZ]

I THINK I WANNA LEARN HOW TO TAP DANCE 🕺🏽

[@jamesdean1143]

Ali described Williams as a “built guy”.

[@the1deadman543]

Ali and iron Mike are my 2 most favorite boxers of all time. I would give anything to meet Tyson..man. legends Ali was just out of this world with movement and skills. And inspired other great fighters , like Tyson. All the time I watch Tyson and Ali fights and introduce my son to them.

[@kakashihatake6176]

9:32 hell yeah boy, my man summoning the words of samuel Jackson in pulp fiction

[@greyghostscsa394]

As stated in several comments already Williams was at a disadvantage. He had been gut shot by a cop and had sections of his intestines removed and had to endure a grueling recovery process. If Ali had fought the same Cleveland Williams that had fought Sonny Liston it would have been a more competitive fight. Ali probably still would have won as he was much faster than Williams. Ali’s speed and quick reactions were superior to almost all fighters of any era.

[@moondogaudiojones1146]

Ali was brilliant and so fun to watch. Glad I grew up with this legend on the radio and on TV.

[@kdc0079]

“With great vengeance and furious anger” one of the best pulp fiction quotes lmao

[@adissux]

He is simply the greatest.

[@OuroborosChoked]

I encourage everyone to slow the video down around 10:47 and look for one of Ali's punches. He snaps Williams's neck so far back in just a fraction of a second that I'm surprised it didn't land Williams in a hospital.