Carl “The Truth” Williams DEAD: Death of Heavyweight Boxer – RSR Says Goodbye – BOXING NEWS

By Geno McGahee

The boxing world has lost one of the better heavyweights of his generation and one of the better fighters never to capture a world title, Carl “The Truth” Williams, 30-10, 21 KO’s. Williams lost his battle with esophageal cancer at the age of 53.

Williams built up a record of 16-0 before getting a title shot in 1985 against the undefeated champion, Larry Holmes. He would lose a debatable decision to Holmes but the prospects were good and many were labeling him a future champion. With his jab and size, he reminded many of Holmes and saw “The Truth” as the man that would seize control of the division when Holmes retired.

After an upset loss to Mike Weaver, Williams fought his way back to a title shot, facing Mike Tyson in 1989. The two were not strangers. They had different recollections of their sparring sessions leading to some bad blood going into their bout. The end result would be another controversial one. A left hook would drop Williams in the first round, but he would get to his feet and looked ready to continue, but referee Randy Neumann would wave it off. Williams would later note that they were trying to set up the Holyfield bout and that’s why they stopped it so soon. Regardless of the agenda, the stoppage was too soon and it was another missed opportunity.

The rest of the career of Williams would put him in the role of a gatekeeper or stepping stone for up and coming fighters. Losses to Tim Witherspoon, Tommy Morrison, Alexander Zolkin and Frank Bruno would knock him out of any serious contention for a title. He would leave the sport in 1997.

Williams would reportedly fall on hard times after the spotlight of the boxing ring was gone and his death brought back some thoughts of his in ring exploits. His gutsy battle with Larry Holmes and war with Tommy Morrison were two highlights that I recall. Had he had a better chin, he probably would have ruled the sport.

RSR says goodbye to one of the best heavyweights never to win a heavyweight title.