Ike Williams (boxer)

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Ike Williams (August 2, 1923—September 5, 1994) was a former lightweight world boxing champion. Williams was known for his great right hand, and was named to the Ring Magazine's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time as well as Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year for 1948.

During his career, Williams faced and defeated former lightweight champions Sammy Angott, Bob Montgomery, and Beau Jack. Although mostly forgotten today, Williams name usually appears in the top ten on most all time lightweight champion lists.

Williams won the NBA world title when he defeated Juan Zurita in April of 1945. He held on to the crown until May of 1951, when he was stopped by Jimmy Carter.

Williams, for part of his career, was managed by the nefarious Blinky Palermo Gangster). According, to Williams he was blackballed by the boxing managers guild when he sought to manage himself. Palermo informed him he could resolve his problems with the guild, and Williams agreed to let Palermo manage him. Williams testified before the Kefauver Commission that Palermo did not arrange for him to throw any fights, but that he robbed him of his purses. Nevertheless, Williams did claim to have taken a dive against Chuck Davey, a much hyped contender for the welterweight crown.