 Williams became professional in 1989 and fell short in his first shot at a major championship title, a 1994 split-decision loss to Orlin Norris for the World Boxing Association Cruiserweight Title.Williams was knocked out in the third round in a rematch with Norris later that year.It was not until 1998 that Williams got another shot at a title belt, a 1998 bout with Imamu Mayfield for the International Boxing Federation Cruiserweight Title.