Became only the 3rd man in boxing history to win the Heavyweight World Title 2 times!
Name: Tim Witherspoon
Nickname: Terrible
Born: 1957-12-27
Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Nationality: US American
Stance: Orthodox
Height: 6 ft 3 1⁄2 in (1.92 m)
Reach: 78″ / 198cm
Career Overview
In 1983, a relatively unknown Witherspoon fought Larry Holmes for the World Heavyweight Championship and lost by a twelve-round split decision.
In 1984, he defeated Greg Page by a twelve-round majority decision to win the vacant WBC Heavyweight Title. He lost it in his first defence, dropping a twelve-round majority decision to Pinklon Thomas.
In 1986, Witherspoon defeated Tony Tubbs by a fifteen-round majority decision to win the WBA Heavyweight Title. He successfully defended it with an eleventh-round TKO of Frank Bruno, but lost it in his second defence when he was stopped in the first round by James (Bonecrusher) Smith.
Tim was regarded as one of the most promising heavyweight boxers of his era, but the legal battles and time out of the ring due to his management cost Tim more glory when he was at the peak of his career, Tyson vs. Witherspoon would have been the best fight on earth if they were both in their prime, many believe Tim had the style to trouble a young Tyson.
Looking back at the videos of Tim’s career you can appreciate he was a great boxer, a two times World Champion in a golden era for Heavyweights, a sparing partner for Muhammad Ali, and fought anyone who was put in front of him.
