Tim Witherspoon

Tim Witherspoon
Witherspoon in 2008
Statistics
Nickname(s)	Terrible
Rated at	Heavyweight
Height	6 ft 3 1⁄2 in (192 cm)
Reach	78 in (198 cm)
Nationality	American
Born	(1957-12-27) December 27, 1957 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	69
Wins	55
Wins by KO	38
Losses	13
Draws	1

Tim Witherspoon (born December 27, 1957) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1979 to 2003. He is a two-time world heavyweight champion, having held the WBC title in 1984, and the WBA title in 1986. Upon winning his second world title, Witherspoon joined Floyd Patterson and Muhammad Ali as the only boxers to win multiple world heavyweight championships.

Witherspoon also worked as a regular sparring partner for Muhammad Ali. Witherspoon's style was that of a pressure fighter, using an unusual cross-arm guard similar to Ken Norton, with a strong and fast overhand right.

Professional career

Early years

Witherspoon had eight and a half amateur bouts, losing one to Marvis Frazier on decision after getting knocked down.

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 an impressed 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.

Witherspoon vs. Larry Holmes: WBC heavyweight title

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, then a relative unknown, utilized his awkward cross-arm style, Ali sparring experience, and natural physical strength to fight valiantly. Whilst he lost by a split decision, many thought he'd done enough to win. The result was hotly disputed.

However Witherspoon had caused a stir with his showing and the expectations of a potentially glorious career would color what he eventually did accomplish. 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 impressively with a first-round knockout of James "Quick" Tillis.

First title reign: WBC heavyweight champion

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).

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 in a close, mauling fight.

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.

Second title reign: WBA heavyweight champion

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 in future world champion Frank Bruno at Wembley Stadium. 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. The fight was scheduled for December 12, 1986 at Madison Square Garden and Witherspoon a heavy favorite against the 17-5 Smith.

Smith decided to take a more aggressive approach against Witherspoon, however, and hurt him with the first punch he threw. Forty-five seconds into the round, Witherspoon dropped to a knee from a flurry of punches but referee Luis Rivera did not call it a knockdown. Thirty seconds after that, Smith felled Witherspoon again. The champion took a standing eight count but Smith took advantage of Witherspoon's unsteady legs and knocked him down a second time moments later. Witherspoon was never able to mount any offense against the challenger and with fifty seconds remaining in the 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.

Post-championship career

Following the end his second title reign, Witherspoon spent years warring with Don King in court. Avoided by numerous big name fighters, Witherspoon would fight scarcely, in varying shape and form. In 1991 won the USBA heavyweight title by defeating fellow contender Carl "The Truth" Williams but lost a points decision to at best a journeyman Everett Martin. Ring magazine called this inexplicable loss the low point of his career.

In 1993 Don King settled out of court and paid Witherspoon a million dollars. By 1994 a new and in-shape Witherspoon was back, winning five fights in a row by knockout. Aged 38 he was inked 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 comprehensively. Later in the year he was matched with Ray Mercer but lost a disputed 10-round decision.

After that loss Witherspoon laid off a year, and when he came back he was outpointed convincingly by the slick 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.

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 hard hitting heavyweight Lou Savarese who stopped him in five rounds.

Witherspoon also competed in Cedric Kushner's 2003 Thunderbox Heavyweight Tournament, "Fistful of Dollars," but at 45 looked his age and lost in the opening stages.

Tim now resides in an area around 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.

In 2014 Tim witherspoon will be publishing his book with the help of British entrepreneur Kevin Baker and ghost writer Ryan Danes.^[2]

Professional boxing record

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

Titles in boxing

References

External links

• Professional boxing record for Tim Witherspoon from BoxRec
• "Terrible" Times: A Life of Tim Witherspoon at boxing.com