On January 17, 1986 at The Omni, Atlanta, Georgia, WBA heavyweight champion Tony “TNT” Tubbs, from Cincinnati, Ohio, fought “Terrible” Tim Witherspoon, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in defense of the title he won from Greg Page seven months earlier. Tubbs was undefeated at 21-0…and Witherspoon came into the fight with a record of 22 – 2. The fight was scheduled for 15 rounds…and went the distance as Witherspoon would take the title with a majority decision.
Tubbs came into this fight weighing 244 lbs….some 15 pounds heavier than when he took the title from Greg Page seven months earlier….and Witherspoon weighed in at 227….as this title fight took place at The Omni in Atlanta, GA in front of a live crowd of 6,000 fight fans….which was refereed by Nate Morgan. Witherspoon was the WBA’s No. 1-ranked heavyweight contender. Tubbs’ purse was about $125,000, and Witherspoon’s was $50,000. Witherspoon tested positive for marijuana after the fight. The WBA fined him $25,000, and ordered him to give Tubbs a rematch. The rematch was scheduled for December 12, 1986. Tubbs, citing an injured left shoulder, withdrew on December 5. Promoter Don King charged that Tubbs was just trying to get more money….to which Tubbs said he was unhappy with the money but “he could deal with that after the fight”….so, King nullified Tubbs contract and asked the WBA to suspend him,,,,to which Tubbs responded…“I am not going to fight injured….even if Don wants me to.”
This fight was outstanding and very close…..as it went the distance for a majority decision as evidenced by the judges cards with Judge: Harry Cecchini 144 – 143….Judge: Robert Ferrara 143 – 143….and Judge: Eddie Woods 144 – 141….which makes this video MUST SEE TV for any and all fight fans.
