Boxing – 1989 – HBO Larry Merchant Showcases Carl Williams On The Road To Fighting Mike Tyson

Carl Williams (November 11, 1959 – April 7, 2013), nicknamed “The Truth”, was an American boxer from Belle Glade, Florida who was the USBA United States Heavyweight Boxing champion….and who fought in several noteworthy boxing matches in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Williams’ first title shot was against Larry Holmes…..which was a fight he lost in a controversial decision. His next fight was a victory against Jesse Ferguson.

Williams is perhaps best known for having fought and lost to Mike Tyson in a battle for the undisputed heavyweight championship. The first round knockout loss to Tyson in 1989 was a devastating defeat for Williams. Midway through the round, Tyson slipped a jab from Williams and loaded up with one of the most devastating counter-punches of his career….while smashing Williams and sending him down for an eight count. The referee waved off the fight and Williams immediately launched a mild protest to the official and ringside judges but to no avail. He believed that the fight was stopped too early and he was not given more of an opportunity to demonstrate to the official that he was not disoriented after the knock-down.  In a post fight in-ring interview, Williams appeared to be uninjured, spoke clearly and expressed his disappointment that he was not given the opportunity to “show my stuff.” Williams also called for a rematch, however this never occurred.  

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….with wins against Bert Cooper and Trevor Berbick.  

Williams retired in 1997 with a professional record of 30-10-0-1 with 21 knockouts.