SPORTS HISTORY IN BLACK: Tim Witherspoon becomes world heavyweight champ

Heavyweight boxing was tough in the 1980s. There was Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes, and many others who were popular during that time. But one boxer who people may not remember is Tim Witherspoon. The 6’3” athlete from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, would post a career record of 55 wins (38 by technical knockout), 13 losses and one draw. But one knockout would stand out. American World Boxing Association heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon, left, with Britain’s Frank Bruno during a press reception in Hornchurch, Essex, on July 10, 1986, days before the two fighters were to meet at Wembley Arena in London. Photo credit: Dave Caulkin, The Associated Press On July 19, 1986, Witherspoon would take on Frank Bruno for the heavyweight boxing title.Witherspoon would knock out Bruno in the 11th round and with that win, would become the world heavyweight champion.The post SPORTS HISTORY IN BLACK: Tim Witherspoon becomes world heavyweight champ first appeared on NABJ Black News & Views.