Tim Witherspoon

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Tim Witherspoon (born December 27, 1957) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1979 to 2003. He was a two-time world heavyweight champion, having held the WBC title in 1984, and the WBA title in 1986. He beat heavyweight world champions Greg Page, James Smith, Tony Tubbs, Frank Bruno and cruiserweight world champions Alfonzo Ratliff and Al Cole. He is best known for his fight against undefeated heavyweight world champion Larry Holmes in which he lost by split decision. Witherspoon also worked as a regular sparring partner for Muhammad Ali.

Professional career

Early years

Witherspoon had six amateur bouts, losing the last to Marvis Frazier on decision after getting knocked down.[1]

Making his professional debut with a first-round TKO over Joe Adams on October 30, 1979, Witherspoon quickly rose through the ranks. In 1981, he participated in his first high-profile fight, knocking out future world cruiserweight champion Alfonzo Ratliff, after which he was signed by Don King. Witherspoon was a sparring partner of Ali as he was training to fight Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick. Ali also gave Witherspoon his complimentary ring alias of "Terrible" Tim Witherspoon.[1]

In 1982, he was matched with Renaldo Snipes, who had just given champion Larry Holmes a fair challenge (and knocked Holmes down), and outpointed him over 10 rounds, setting up his own challenge to Holmes.[2]

Witherspoon vs. Larry Holmes: WBC heavyweight title

Template:Main article On May 20, 1983, Witherspoon would have his first attempt at earning a world title by taking on the recognized top man in the division World Boxing Council champion Larry Holmes at the Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas. Witherspoon gave Holmes all he could handle, including rocking him badly in the ninth round, before losing a disputed twelve round split decision.[2]

He returned later in the year to outpoint Floyd "Jumbo" Cummings, who had drawn with Joe Frazier in Smokin' Joe's last fight, and win the NABF title with a first-round knockout of James "Quick" Tillis.[2]

First title reign: WBC heavyweight champion

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". In December 1983, Holmes relinquished his WBC title rather than defend against Greg Page, and chose to accept that of the newly formed IBF (International Boxing Federation).Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Witherspoon was matched with Page for the vacant title on March 9, 1984. Page, in constant war with promoter Don King, turned up overweight and was outpointed.[2]


Witherspoon's reign as champion would not be long however, as soon he himself was in constant war with King, and on August 31 of that year he was outpointed by Pinklon Thomas via majority decision.[2]

Second title reign: WBA heavyweight champion

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". In 1985 Witherspoon regained his NABF belt by beating James Broad in two rounds and made a successful twelve round defense against James "Bonecrusher" Smith in his first defense of the belt. This earned him another chance at a heavyweight title and he signed to fight reigning WBA champion Tony Tubbs on January 17, 1986 in Atlanta. Witherspoon won a close fight by majority decision, winning by only one point on one of the scorecards and three on another with one even, to become champion for a second time.

In his first defense of his newly won championship, Witherspoon traveled to London and fought a young up-and-coming English heavyweight and future world champion Frank Bruno at Wembley Stadium, as part of the heavyweight unification series. In the eleventh round of a scheduled fifteen, Witherspoon recorded a technical knockout and did something he had not done when he was champion the first time: make a successful defense of the title after winning it. After defeating Bruno, a rematch with Tony Tubbs loomed but Tubbs pulled out of the fight.

Needing to make a title defense, Witherspoon accepted a second fight with Bonecrusher Smith. Since dropping a lopsided decision in their first matchup (losing every round but one on all three scorecards) Smith had fought four bouts and recorded three wins, all against fringe contenders and journeymen.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". The fight was scheduled for December 12, 1986 at Madison Square Garden and Witherspoon a heavy favorite against the 17-5 Smith.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". With fifty seconds remaining in the first round, Witherspoon hit the canvas a third time and Rivera ended the proceedings. At ringside, HBO commentators Barry Tompkins, Larry Merchant, and Sugar Ray Leonard expressed disbelief at the outcome, with all three calling the bout a major upset.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Post-championship career

Following the end his second title reign, Witherspoon spent years in litigation against Don King.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". In 1991 won the USBA heavyweight title by defeating fellow contender Carl "The Truth" Williams but lost a points decision to Everett Martin.[2] Ring magazine called this inexplicable loss the low point of his career.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

In 1993 Don King settled out of court and paid Witherspoon a million dollars. By 1994 Witherspoon had won five fights in a row by knockout.[2] Aged 38 he was signed by HBO and matched in high-profile fights with cruiserweight champion Al Cole and the Cuban amateur Jorge Luis González, both of whom he defeated.[2] Later in the year he was matched with Ray Mercer but lost a 10-round decision.[2]

After that loss Witherspoon laid off a year, and when he came back he was outpointed by Larry Donald on HBO, and, in 1998, lost a close decision when outworked by New Zealander Jimmy Thunder before travelling to Poland to be outpointed by Andrew Golota.[2]

The 43-year-old Witherspoon resurfaced in 2001, knocking out the prospect David Bostice in one round, outpointing Cuban southpaw contender Eliecer Castillo and Syrian Ahmed Abdin, before his revival was ended by Lou Savarese, who stopped him in five rounds.[2]

Witherspoon also competed in Cedric Kushner's 2003 Thunderbox Heavyweight Tournament, "Fistful of Dollars," but lost in the opening stages.[3]

Boxing Style

Like other Philadelphia fighters, such as George Benton, Witherspoon was known for his use of the Philly Shell. Witherspoon would switch between the Philly Shell and the cross-armed guard depending on what punches he was defending against.[4] Witherspoon used this defense in conjunction with rubber necking, which is turning the head to reduce the impact of punches, and effective counterpunching.[5]

Life after boxing

Witherspoon resides near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he trains boxers, including his son, lightweight Tim Witherspoon Jr. and many others. He has also trained Light Heavyweight champion Clinton Woods in the U.K.[6]

In 2014, Witherspoon published his book with the help of British entrepreneur Kevin Baker and ghost writer Ryan Danes.[7]

Professional boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Age Location Notes
69 Loss 55–13–1 Brian Nix SD 10 Mar 15, 2003 Template:Age in years and days Grand Casino, Gulfport, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
68 Loss 55–12–1 Lou Savarese TKO 5 (12), 2:42Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Sep 22, 2002 Template:Age in years and days Table Mountain Casino, Friant, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For vacant WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
67 Win 55–11–1 Ahmed Abdin UD 10 May 18, 2002 Template:Age in years and days Silver Star Hotel & Casino, Choctaw, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
66 Win 54–11–1 Darroll Wilson KO 2 (10), 1:02Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Mar 10, 2002 Template:Age in years and days Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
65 Win 53–11–1 Ed White TKO 1, 1:10Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jan 18, 2002 Template:Age in years and days Entertainment & Sports Arena, Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
64 Win 52–11–1 Cleveland Woods KO 1 (10), 2:30Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jul 29, 2001 Template:Age in years and days Palace Indian Gaming Center, Lemoore, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
63 Loss 51–11–1 Monte Barrett SD 10 Jun 28, 2001 Template:Age in years and days Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
62 Win 51–10–1 Danny Wofford TKO 3 (10) Apr 13, 2001 Template:Age in years and days University, Hampton, Virginia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
61 Win 50–10–1 Elieser Castillo MD 10 Mar 31, 2001 Template:Age in years and days Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
60 Win 49–10–1 David Bostice TKO 1 (10), 2:21Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Feb 22, 2001 Template:Age in years and days Zembo Shrine Building, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
59 Win 48–10–1 David Smith TKO 2 (10), 2:12Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jul 8, 2000 Template:Age in years and days Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
58 Template:DrawDraw 47–10–1 Mike Sedillo PTS 12 Apr 29, 2000 Template:Age in years and days St. John's, Antigua and BarbudaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For NBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
57 Win 47–10 Joe Ballard KO 1 Feb 25, 2000 Template:Age in years and days Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
56 Loss 46–10 Greg Page RTD 7 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jun 18, 1999 Template:Age in years and days Cumberland County Crown Coliseum, Fayetteville, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
55 Loss 46–9 Brian Nielsen TKO 4 (10) Apr 16, 1999 Template:Age in years and days K.B. Hallen, Copenhagen, DenmarkScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
54 Loss 46–8 Andrew Golota UD 10 Oct 2, 1998 Template:Age in years and days Centennial Hall, Wrocław, PolandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
53 Loss 46–7 Jimmy Thunder UD 10 Apr 7, 1998 Template:Age in years and days Harrah's Hotel and Casino, Cherokee, North Carolina, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
52 Loss 46–6 Larry Donald UD 12 Dec 13, 1997 Template:Age in years and days Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For WBC Continental Americas heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
51 Win 46–5 Levi Billups TKO 1 (10), 1:44Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Nov 4, 1997 Template:Age in years and days Grand Casino, Tunica, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
50 Loss 45–5 Ray Mercer UD 10 Dec 14, 1996 Template:Age in years and days Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
49 Win 45–4 Jorge Luis González TKO 5 (10), 2:54Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". May 10, 1996 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
48 Win 44–4 Al Cole UD 10 Jan 12, 1996 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
47 Win 43–4 Tim Puller TKO 2 (10), 0:45Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Nov 14, 1995 Template:Age in years and days Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
46 Win 42–4 Everton Davis TKO 7 (10), 1:34Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Oct 31, 1995 Template:Age in years and days Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
45 Win 41–4 Jesse Shelby TKO 1 (10) Mar 24, 1995 Template:Age in years and days Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
44 Win 40–4 Nathaniel Fitch TKO 6 (10) Dec 17, 1994 Template:Age in years and days Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
43 Win 39–4 Sherman Griffin TKO 3 (10), 2:58Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Aug 12, 1994 Template:Age in years and days South Padre Island, Texas, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
42 Win 38–4 Tony Willis UD 10 Aug 25, 1992 Template:Age in years and days Harrah's Marino Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
41 Loss 37–4 Everett Martin SD 10 Jul 21, 1992 Template:Age in years and days The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
40 Win 37–3 James Pritchard UD 10 Mar 23, 1992 Template:Age in years and days Harrah's Marina Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
39 Win 36–3 Jimmy Lee Smith KO 1 (10), 2:27Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Feb 4, 1992 Template:Age in years and days Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
38 Win 35–3 Art Tucker TKO 3 (12), 1:33Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Sep 10, 1991 Template:Age in years and days The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained USBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
37 Win 34–3 Carl Williams SD 12 Mar 8, 1991 Template:Age in years and days Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won USBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
36 Win 33–3 José Ribalta MD 10 Jul 19, 1990 Template:Age in years and days Kingdome, Seattle, Washington, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
35 Win 32–3 Greg Gorrell TKO 3 (10), 1:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Mar 12, 1990 Template:Age in years and days Gelora Senayan Main Stadium, Jakarta, IndonesiaScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
34 Win 31–3 Jeff Sims RTD 5 (10), 3:00Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jan 11, 1990 Template:Age in years and days Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
33 Win 30–3 Anders Eklund KO 1 (10), 1:11Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Oct 19, 1989 Template:Age in years and days Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
32 Win 29–3 Larry Alexander SD 10 Jan 27, 1989 Template:Age in years and days Bally's Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
31 Win 28–3 Mauricio Villegas TKO 9 (10) Feb 17, 1988 Template:Age in years and days York Hall, London, EnglandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
30 Win 27–3 Mike Williams SD 10 Oct 14, 1987 Template:Age in years and days Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
29 Win 26–3 Mark Wills TKO 1 (10), 1:15Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Aug 4, 1987 Template:Age in years and days Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
28 Loss 25–3 James Smith TKO 1 (15), 2:12Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Dec 12, 1986 Template:Age in years and days Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost WBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
27 Win 25–2 Frank Bruno TKO 11 (15), 2:57Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jul 19, 1986 Template:Age in years and days Wembley Stadium, London, EnglandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained WBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
26 Win 24–2 Tony Tubbs MD 15 Jan 17, 1986 Template:Age in years and days Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won WBA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
25 Win 23–2 Sammy Scaff TKO 4 (10), 1:04Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Oct 12, 1985 Template:Age in years and days National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, EnglandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
24 Win 22–2 Larry Beilfuss TKO 1 (10), 1:35Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Sep 6, 1985 Template:Age in years and days Tamiami Park Auditorium, Miami, Florida, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
23 Win 21–2 James Smith UD 12 Jun 15, 1985 Template:Age in years and days Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Retained NABF heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
22 Win 20–2 James Broad KO 2 (12), 2:35Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Apr 29, 1985 Template:Age in years and days Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won NABF heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
21 Win 19–2 Mark Wills TKO 9 (10), 1:13Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Mar 25, 1985 Template:Age in years and days The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
20 Loss 18–2 Pinklon Thomas MD 12 Aug 31, 1984 Template:Age in years and days Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Lost WBC heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
19 Win 18–1 Greg Page MD 12 Mar 9, 1984 Template:Age in years and days Las Vegas Convention Center, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant WBC heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
18 Win 17–1 James Tillis TKO 1 (12), 2:16Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Sep 23, 1983 Template:Age in years and days Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Won vacant NABF heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
17 Win 16–1 Floyd Cummings UD 10 Jul 16, 1983 Template:Age in years and days Dunes, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
16 Loss 15–1 Larry Holmes SD 12 May 20, 1983 Template:Age in years and days Dunes, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". For WBC and The Ring heavyweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
15 Win 15–0 Renaldo Snipes MD 10 Jun 5, 1982 Template:Age in years and days Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
14 Win 14–0 Luis Acosta KO 2 (10), 0:42Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Mar 30, 1982 Template:Age in years and days Playboy Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
13 Win 13–0 Alfonzo Ratliff TKO 7 (10), 2:25Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Dec 5, 1981 Template:Age in years and days Sands, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
12 Win 12–0 Curtis Gaskins KO 2 (8) Nov 17, 1981 Template:Age in years and days Playboy Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
11 Win 11–0 Jerry Williams TKO 8 (10) Jul 30, 1981 Template:Age in years and days Martin Luther King Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
10 Win 10–0 Bobby Jordan KO 4 (10) Jun 17, 1981 Template:Age in years and days Martin Luther King Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
9 Win 9–0 Dave Johnson UD 8 Apr 11, 1981 Template:Age in years and days Concord Resort Hotel, Thompson, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
8 Win 8–0 Marvin Stinson PTS 10 Feb 7, 1981 Template:Age in years and days Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
7 Win 7–0 Ed Bednarik TKO 1, 2:06Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Jan 24, 1981 Template:Age in years and days Martin Luther King Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
6 Win 6–0 James Reid TKO 6 (8) Dec 11, 1980 Template:Age in years and days Martin Luther King Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
5 Win 5–0 Oliver Wright TKO 2 (8) Oct 24, 1980 Template:Age in years and days Martin Luther King Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
4 Win 4–0 Charles Cox KO 5 Jul 20, 1980 Template:Age in years and days The Great Gorge Playboy Club Hotel, McAfee, New Jersey, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
3 Win 3–0 Robert Evans UD 6 May 9, 1980 Template:Age in years and days Long Island Arena, Commack, New York, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
2 Win 2–0 Robert Ritchie KO 1 Apr 26, 1980 Template:Age in years and days Lynchburg, Virginia, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
1 Win 1–0 Joe Adams TKO 1, 1:58Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Oct 30, 1979 Template:Age in years and days Forum, Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania, U.S.Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

References

Template:Reflist

External links

Template:S-sportsTemplate:S-textTemplate:S-breakTemplate:S-vacTemplate:S-endTemplate:Authority control
NABF heavyweight champion
September 23, 1983 – January 1986
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check

Template:S-vac

Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check USBA heavyweight champion
March 8, 1991 – February 1992
Vacated Template:S-ttl/check

Template:S-vac Template:S-text Template:S-break Template:S-vac

WBC heavyweight champion
March 9, 1984 – August 31, 1984 Template:S-ttl/check
Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check WBA heavyweight champion
January 17, 1986 – December 12, 1986 Template:S-ttl/check
Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
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