Tim Witherspoon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tim Witherspoon
Witherspoon in 2008
Statistics
Nickname(s)	Terrible
Rated at	Heavyweight
Height	6 ft 3+1/2 in
Reach	78 in
Born	(1957-12-27) December 27, 1957 (age 67) 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. He competed in the sport from 1979 to 2003. Tim Witherspoon was a two-time world heavyweight champion. He held the WBC title in 1984 and the WBA title in 1986. He defeated famous heavyweight boxers like Greg Page, James Smith, Tony Tubbs, and Frank Bruno. He also beat cruiserweight champions Alfonzo Ratliff and Al Cole.

One of his most famous fights was against the undefeated heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. Witherspoon lost that fight by a very close decision. He also worked as a regular training partner for the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Ali even gave him his famous nickname, "Terrible" Tim Witherspoon.

Tim Witherspoon's Boxing Journey

Starting His Career

Tim Witherspoon had a short amateur boxing career with six fights. He turned professional on October 30, 1979. In his first professional fight, he won by a technical knockout (TKO) in the first round. He quickly became a rising star in the boxing world.

In 1981, he had an important fight where he knocked out Alfonzo Ratliff. After this win, a famous boxing promoter named Don King signed him. Witherspoon also helped Muhammad Ali train for his fights.

In 1982, Witherspoon won against Renaldo Snipes. This victory helped him get a chance to fight for a world title against Larry Holmes.

Fighting for the WBC Heavyweight Title

On May 20, 1983, Tim Witherspoon got his first chance to become a world champion. He fought Larry Holmes, who was the top heavyweight boxer at the time. The fight took place in Las Vegas. Witherspoon fought very well and even hurt Holmes in the ninth round. However, he lost the fight by a very close decision from the judges.

Later that year, he won against Floyd Cummings. He also won the NABF title by knocking out James "Quick" Tillis in the first round.

Becoming WBC Heavyweight Champion

In December 1983, Larry Holmes gave up his WBC title. This meant the title was open for a new champion. Tim Witherspoon fought Greg Page for the vacant title on March 9, 1984. Witherspoon won the fight and became the WBC heavyweight champion.

However, his time as champion was short. He had disagreements with his promoter, Don King. On August 31, 1984, he lost his title to Pinklon Thomas.

Winning the WBA Heavyweight Title

In 1985, Witherspoon won back his NABF belt by beating James Broad. He then successfully defended it against James "Bonecrusher" Smith. These wins earned him another shot at a world title.

On January 17, 1986, he fought the WBA champion Tony Tubbs in Atlanta. Witherspoon won a very close fight to become a world champion for the second time.

In his first defense of the WBA title, Witherspoon traveled to London. He fought a young and strong English boxer named Frank Bruno at Wembley Stadium. Witherspoon won by technical knockout in the eleventh round. This was a big achievement because it was his first successful title defense. After this, he was supposed to fight Tony Tubbs again, but Tubbs pulled out of the fight.

Witherspoon then agreed to a second fight with Bonecrusher Smith. On December 12, 1986, at Madison Square Garden, Witherspoon was expected to win easily. However, Smith surprised everyone and knocked Witherspoon out in the first round. This was a major upset in boxing.

Later Career and Life

After losing his second world title, Tim Witherspoon spent many years dealing with legal issues against Don King. In 1991, he won the USBA heavyweight title by defeating Carl Williams. However, he later lost a surprising fight to Everett Martin.

In 1993, Don King settled the lawsuit and paid Witherspoon a large sum of money. By 1994, Witherspoon had won five fights in a row by knockout. Even at 38 years old, he continued to fight in big matches. He defeated cruiserweight champion Al Cole and Cuban boxer Jorge Luis González. Later, he lost a fight to Ray Mercer.

Witherspoon continued to box until 2003. He even knocked out a younger boxer named David Bostice in 2001.

Tim Witherspoon's Boxing Style

Tim Witherspoon was known for his unique boxing style, especially his defense. Like other boxers from Philadelphia, he often used a defensive style called the Philly Shell. In this style, a boxer uses their lead arm to block punches and their rear hand to protect their chin. Witherspoon would switch between the Philly Shell and a cross-armed guard to block different punches. He also used a technique called "rubber necking," which means turning his head to reduce the power of incoming punches. He was also good at counterpunching, which means hitting back right after an opponent throws a punch.

Life After Boxing

Tim Witherspoon now lives near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He trains boxers, including his son, Tim Witherspoon Jr., who is a lightweight boxer. He has also trained other boxers, like Light Heavyweight champion Clinton Woods in the UK.

In 2014, Witherspoon published a book about his life and career.

Professional Boxing Record Summary

See also

In Spanish: Tim Witherspoon para niños