Mike Williams (boxer) facts for kids

Michael Anthony Williams, born on June 16, 1962, is an American actor and a former professional boxer. He competed in boxing from 1984 to 2000. Many people might know him from the 1990 movie Rocky V, where he played a boxer named Union Cane.

Mike Williams: Boxer and Actor

Michael Anthony Williams has had an interesting career both inside the boxing ring and on the big screen. He was known for his powerful punches as a heavyweight boxer. After his boxing career, he became a familiar face in many movies and TV shows.

His Boxing Journey

Williams was nicknamed "Mercury" during his boxing days. He started his professional boxing career in 1984. He quickly became a promising new talent, winning his first 13 fights. One of his early victories was against a well-known boxer named James Tillis.

Facing Tough Opponents

As Williams continued his career, he faced some very strong opponents. In 1987, he had a close fight with former champion Tim Witherspoon, losing by a small margin. The next year, he lost to Buster Douglas, who later became a world champion. In the 1990s, he also fought other famous heavyweights like Alex Garcia and Corrie Sanders. Williams retired from boxing in 2000. He finished his career with 22 wins and 6 losses, with 14 of his wins coming by knockout.

Acting in Movies and TV

Besides his boxing career, Michael Williams is also an actor. His most famous role was in the movie Rocky V.

Playing Union Cane

In Rocky V, Williams played the character of Union Cane. Cane was shown as the heavyweight boxing champion of the world in the movie. However, in the story, he was quickly defeated by another character, Tommy Gunn.

Other Film and TV Roles

Williams also appeared in many other films. He often played background characters. Some of the movies he was in include A Soldier's Story, Full Metal Jacket, Another 48 Hrs., and Ali. He also appeared in TV shows like Homicide: Life on the Street and The F.B.I. Files.