How well would a well trained and motivated Tim Witherspoon do against Joe Louis?

Could he have stood a chance? Would his awkward style and physical attributes give Louis fits? Would Louis issue Witherspoon a bum of the month membership with gold member benefits?

 

I go with choice 2, bum of the month type of thing. But if Louis came in on a off night. Things might look up for Tim.

 

Tim Witherspoon, despite his success, is an underachieving heavyweight. American readers may not realise he came mighty close to a comeback in England in the summer. Aged 50 plus.

The KO loss to James Smith doesn't auger well for Tim's chances, but everyone knows he just fell over under the first shot. The fact Bruno could dictate to him for 9 rounds also doesn't suggest he could have gotten past Louis swifter, more rounded arsenal of punches.

But Tim extended, as essentially a novice, a prime Larry Holmes and had a thudding right hand. One of the most underrated rights in heavyweight history, I actually think he would have been competitive. He was accustomed to tackling big strong guys, could hold a shot; Bruno hit him with plenty, and had that sumptious overhand right to keep Louis honest, who wasn't averse to touching down either.

I'd back Louis' precision and power to get the job done, but I think Terrible Tim would have a moment or two along the way.

 

You've won me over mate.

 

Witherpsoon had tremendous potential and ability. Even more than Larry Holmes. Witherpsoon was big. He was fast. He was athletic. He could punch. He could take a punch. He had a very good defense for a heavyweight. His stamina was very good too.

Witherpsoon at his best is as good or better than anyone Lewis beat. Style wise Witherspoon had the jab and movement skills that gave Louis trouble. I believe Witherpoon on one of his better nights could beat Louis on one of his off or average nights.

I would pick Louis. In the end, Joe Louis was a real winner. Witherpsoon seemed to lack that extra special something needed to pull off close fights.

 

Are you accidentally mixing in "Lewis" with "Louis"?


I'd also debate about Witherspoon having more talent than Holmes i think. Holmes sure wasn't all heart and will, he had some serious assets in there.

 

Performing when it matters is a talent too. Focus, dedication, discipline. Are all tangible talents.

Without these talents, power, speed and skill can only get you so far.

Witherspoon is a demonstrable example of the theory.

 

I have to say that Witherspoon might be a good long shot to upset Louis if he caught him on an off night. Especialy is Louis had not seen film of him before the fight which was often the case while his oponents always knew exactly what they were up against.

 

Should read Louis, not Lewis! Witherpsoon could do some very impressive things in the ring. On raw talent, Witherpsoon might have had more than Holmes. Of course raw talent alone doesn't define a champion. Witherpsoon lacked Holmes heart, and brains in the ring.

 

The cocensus of most posters here seems to be in favor of Louis, but all giving Witherspoon a chance at an upset, or at least giving Spoon a shot at a good effort. I pretty much feel the same way. A well motivated and trained Witherspoon going in against Louis on a night when he was floored by a Baer or Galento would have been an interesting fight. Tim beat a lot of class heavyweights who I'm guessing might have at least been contenders during the 30's and 40's. On the evening that Witherspoon troubled Holmes, he may very well have been a tough test for any champion in history and might even have upset a few greats.

In the end though, we have to go with the guy who had by far the greater legacy, and that man is clearly Joe Louis.

 

It would be verry hard to make a case that Witherspoon was better than Schmelin, Baer, or Walcott. The highest that I could put him would be arround the level of Tommy Farr.

 

I think Witherspoon could possibly be put into the category of a Max or Buddy Baer don't you think?

And keep in mind, I'm refering to a well trained Witherspoon.

 

Errr. Yes.

I think that is as far as I am prepared to go though.

 

You are just oh so generous Jan!



Personally i don't think they are in the same class, even given Witherspoon's inconsistencies. The best Witherspoon is a cut above at least.

 

What do you think would happen in a Witherspoon vs Schmeling fight? I'd probably pick Witherspoon myself, but whats your take?