Carl Williams nicknamed “The Truth” was an American boxer….who was the USBA United States Heavyweight Boxing champion….fighting in several noteworthy boxing matches in the 1980’s and 1990’s….while winning two New York Golden Gloves Championships in his amateur career. As a professional boxer….his first title shot was against Larry Holmes….a fight he lost in a controversial decision. His next fight was a victory against Jesse Ferguson…..as seen in this video herewith. 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….when midway through the round….Tyson slipped a jab from Williams and loaded up with one of the most devastating counter-punches of his career….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 while speaking 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. His other notable fights include losses to Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon, Tommy Morrison, and Frank Bruno….and wins against Bert Cooper and Trevor Berbick….eventually retiring in 1997 with a professional record of 30-10-0-1 with 21 knockouts.
Jesse Ferguson is retired American boxer who fought in several noteworthy boxing matches in the 1980’s and 1990’s. His professional career is filled with matches with champions and contenders and his name is linked with numerous boxing stars during this period. After an amateur career in the early 80’s….Ferguson turned pro in 1983 at the age of 25….winning his first 10 bouts (all by knockout)….with the most notable being a 4-round knockout of Reggie Gross. This earned him a place in ESPN’s 1985 Young Heavyweight tournament. He made a debut with a 4-round knockout of Richard Scott….followed by a 10-round points win in the semi-finals where he out-punched James “Buster” Douglas….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 finals of the ESPN tournament…. he took on Tony Anthony….knocking him out in the 10th round….thus earning himself a world ranking. His success was short-lived however….when he was matched up with Carl “The Truth” Williams….who was himself coming off a disputed 15-round points loss to Larry Holmes. Williams’ experience won out, as he climbed off the floor twice to knock out Ferguson in 10 rounds….as seen in this video. In 1986 he took on prospect Mike Tyson who was 17-0….who was making his national television debut. After an even fight Tyson broke Ferguson’s nose in the fifth round with an uppercut, sending him to the canvas. Referee Louise Rivera disqualified Ferguson in the next round, for what he deemed “excessive holding.” The local commission later changed the result to a “TKO” for Tyson.
