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. Witherspoon also worked as a regular sparring partner for Muhammad Ali.
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, lost by a split decision. 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. 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.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.
In 1985 Witherspoon regained his NABF belt by beating James Broad in two rounds…..then he made a successful 12 round defense against James “Bonecrusher” Smith….which earned him another chance at the heavyweight title…….when he signed to fight reigning WBA champ Tony Tubbs….where he won a close fight by majority decision….and in his first defense, Terrible Tim 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….which was to make a successful defense of the title after winning it.
James Broad (January 27, 1958 – November 20, 2001) was an American heavyweight boxer….who was an amateur star and, prior to the boycott, set to represent America in the 1980 Moscow Olympics. As a pro he won the NABF heavyweight title….and was a regular sparring partner of a peak Mike Tyson. In his career, he fought the likes of James Smith, Razor Ruddock, Tony Tucker, Tim Witherspoon, Johnny du Plooy, Francesco Damiani, and Greg Page.
