Carl “The Truth” Williams was an American boxer from Belle Glade, Florida….who was the USBA United States Heavyweight Boxing champion from 1987 to 1991….and who fought in several noteworthy boxing matches in the 1980’s and 1990’s…..with his first title shot was against Larry Holmes….which he lost in a controversial decision. His next fight was a victory against a really good club fighter, Jesse Ferguson, as seen in this video below.
Williams is perhaps best known for having fought and lost to Mike Tyson in a battle for the undisputed heavyweight championship….which he lost by a first round knockout in 1989 and was a devastating defeat for Williams. After the defeat by Tyson, Williams became a journeyman heavyweight. His other notable fights include losses to Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon, Tommy Morrison, and Frank Bruno….and wins against Bert Cooper and Trevor Berbick….as “The Truth” retired in 1997 with a professional record of 30-10-0-1 with 21 knockouts.
In the other corner of this fight herewith was Jesse Ferguson….a retired American boxer who turned pro in 1983 at the age of 25….when he had 10 straight wins all by knockout….with the most notable being a 4-round knockout of Reggie Gross…..which earned him a place in ESPN’s 1985 Young Heavyweight tournament….where he made a debut with a 4-round knockout of Richard Scott….followed by a semi-finals win where he outpunched and outpointed James “Buster” Douglas….in a fight that would become more significant over the years….as Douglas went on to upset Mike Tyson in 1990 and win the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. In the final of the ESPN tournament, he took on Tony Anthony and knocked him out in the 10th round….which earned himself a world ranking.
His success was short-lived however….as he was matched up with Carl “The Truth” Williams…..who was coming off a disputed 15-round points loss to Larry Holmes….as Williams’ experience would win out after climbing off the floor twice to knock out Ferguson in 10 rounds…..for this was a really good fight that is well worth the watch.
