Tony Tubbs facts for kids

Tony Tubbs (born February 15, 1958) is an American former professional boxer. He competed from 1980 to 2006. Tony held the WBA heavyweight title from 1985 to 1986. He was known for his quick moves and boxing skills.

Tony Tubbs' Amateur Boxing Career

As an amateur boxer, Tony Tubbs had a great record. He won 240 out of 253 fights. Most of these fights were in the heavyweight division.

Early Challenges and Wins

In 1976, Tony lost to Igor Vysotsky from the Soviet Union. But he later defeated Pyotr Zayev, another strong boxer from the Soviet Union, in 1977.

In 1978, Tony faced the famous Cuban boxer Teófilo Stevenson. Tony lost, but he was the only boxer who managed to stay in the fight for the full time against Stevenson. This showed how tough Tony was.

Becoming a Champion

In 1979, Tony became the National AAU Heavyweight Champion. He beat Mitch Green and Greg Page, who he had lost to before. This was a big achievement!

Later in 1979, Tony won the AIBA Boxing World Cup. He defeated Khoren Indzhyan and got a big win against Marvis Frazier. Marvis Frazier had been unbeaten with 42 wins before this fight.

Olympic Dreams and Sparring with a Legend

Tony's amateur career was supposed to end with the Moscow Olympic Games in 1980. However, the United States decided not to send its athletes to those games. So, Tony could not compete.

During his amateur years, Tony Tubbs also worked as a sparring partner for the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. He helped Ali get ready for his important rematch against Leon Spinks.

Tony Tubbs' Professional Boxing Journey

Tony Tubbs started his professional boxing career on June 14, 1980. He won his first fight by knocking out Bruce Scott in the very first round.

Rising Through the Ranks

Tony won his first 11 fights. On August 7, 1982, he fought another undefeated boxer, Clarence Hill, and won. He also beat Jimmy Young in 1983. After these wins, he joined with famous boxing promoter Don King. Tony started to climb up the boxing rankings.

On March 15, 1985, Tony faced James "Bonecrusher" Smith. This fight was important because the winner would get a chance to fight for the WBA title. Tony won by a unanimous decision, making his record 20 wins and 0 losses!

Fighting for the World Heavyweight Title

On April 29, 1985, Tony Tubbs got his chance to fight for the WBA Heavyweight Championship. He challenged Greg Page. Tony and Greg had fought seven times as amateurs, with Greg winning most of those. But in their only professional fight, Tony won the title! He won by a unanimous decision after 15 rounds.

Tony defended his title for the first time on January 17, 1986, against Tim Witherspoon. Tony lost the title in a close fight that went all 15 rounds.

Tony and Witherspoon were supposed to have a rematch. But Tony had to pull out of the fight because of a shoulder injury.

On March 21, 1988, Tony Tubbs challenged Mike Tyson for the Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship. Tony boxed well in the first round. But Tyson knocked him out in the second round.

Later Career Highlights

On November 21, 1989, Tony beat Orlin Norris and won the North American Boxing Federation title. However, the victory was later changed to a "no contest."

On April 20, 1991, Tony lost a close fight to Riddick Bowe. Many people thought Tony had actually won the fight because he outboxed Bowe. Tony then had some ups and downs. He lost to Lionel Butler but then beat future WBA Heavyweight Champion Bruce Seldon.

The People's Choice Tournament

In December 1993, Tony took part in a special one-night tournament called the People's Choice Heavyweight Tournament. He won four fights in one night! He knocked out Willie Jackson and then won decisions against Tyrell Biggs, Jose Ribalta, and Daniel Dăncuţă to win the whole tournament. This was a great comeback for him.

Final Fights

From 1994 to 1997, Tony had a few more fights before retiring. But he came back to boxing in 2002. He won five fights in a row, including a win over Brian Minto. His very last fight was on November 4, 2006, which he won by decision.

California Boxing Hall of Fame

Tony Tubbs was honored for his amazing career on June 25, 2011. He was inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame. Tony attended the ceremony with his family.

See also

In Spanish: Tony Tubbs para niños