I don't think its a banger. I reckon Tim boxes his head off, doesn't let Jerry box his fight. Keeps him out with his jab and that big right. He might even end this one before the final bell.
Hi Buddy. Well, if it's the earlier 67/69 Quarry, then that fighter might be able to box and counter the slower Witherspoon, and edge out a points win ala Lyle, the heavier, slower, less mobile fighter from 72/73 onwards, would I feel take far to much punishment ( what's new ) especially from Tim,s booming overhand right, so the all too familiar ending with the ever courageous Quarry, being pummelled without reply, would again present it self, there have of course been unfortunately far too many fighters who took unnecessary and prolonged beatings long before they finally retired, somehow Jerry's plight seems extra poignant, there has been talk of late in a certain thread about Marciano, and the white hope tag, not of his choosing, but likable Quarry was indeed labeled as such, to what degree is up for conjecture, I am on record as having Jerry as my fav HW, when you consider who was around the same time, it shows you my leanings, add to this, he was handsome, affable, and every cheerleaders crush, the sad saga takes on another dimension, he was unlucky ! to have as a dad, a tyrannical, egomaniac, a bully who ruled his family with a iron fist, who had hard luck tattooed on the knuckles of each hand,the hard luck was on his siblings poor things, even as young toddlers they were bullied into fighting each other , when other kids were getting toy trains, and water pistols, the Quarry's were given boxing gloves, and forced to fight for the demented pleasure of their father, as their careers took off, he would bask in their glory, his motto, the family motto, " There is no quit in a Quarry " this thought was probably on Jerrys mind during the many beatings he endured whilst fighting the best of his generation, or any, I remember a Ring mag had Jerry on the cover, maybe late 60s, in glorious colour, at that stage he still had his looks, and a infectious half smile, little did he know what was to befall him, so sad...... stay safe That One, chat soon. Mike.
This is a very tough one to call. Nothing against Witherspoon (who is a very good fighter), but, I am not sure he is really much better than Ron Lyle. And, a slightly past it Quarry won a wide decision over an undefeated Lyle. Lyle may have still been a tad green at that point since he started so late, but, he was still very close to his prime. Witherspoon could get a little lazy in there at times. If Jerry was prime and in shape, Tim would have his hands full. And, although a TKO on cuts is possible, I don't think Tim would knock out the tough-as-nails Quarry. I will go with Quarry by close decision. Especially if it is scheduled for 15.
I rhink this is a styles makes fights gig man. Lyle didn't fight anything like Tim and yes, he let Jerry fight his fight. I don't think Tim lets Jerry fight the way he wants. Jerry struggled I'd say with disciplined, defensively prudent opponents. Ellis, Machen, Ali, Norton maybe straddles that line also. I think Tim's style gives him fits. On another note, I've never understood that Chuvalo beat Quarry. That fight should have been right in his wheel room.. If we look at his record he only lost to the very best, or to slippery, disciplined fighters. Say Hi Tim....
Big fan also Mike, kid was game as they come, displayed an unusual amount of stubbornness that was likely to his detriment over the unfolding prose that was his career.
Chatgpt picks Witherspoon most likely by UD At their best, I’d favor Tim Witherspoon over Jerry Quarry, probably by decision or a late stoppage, but Quarry absolutely makes him work. Quarry’s advantages are his compact punching, counter left hook, toughness, and ability to fight effectively against bigger heavyweights. Against Witherspoon, though, he’d be giving away roughly 20–30 pounds depending on the versions used. Witherspoon was around 6'3", usually 220+ pounds at his peak, and had that excellent overhand/right cross plus a very good chin. The key problem for Quarry is that Witherspoon wasn’t just a lumbering big man. He could box, jab, slip punches, and counter. Quarry often did his best work when opponents came directly at him and gave him opportunities to counter. Witherspoon could make Quarry lead more than Quarry would prefer. I can see Quarry having some excellent stretches. He'd probably land his left hook when Witherspoon gets lazy and could potentially stun him. Quarry hit hard enough to hurt virtually anyone of Witherspoon's era if he landed cleanly. But Witherspoon took tremendous punches from men such as Larry Holmes and Frank Bruno, so I wouldn't expect Quarry to stop him. My rough breakdown: 1983–86 Witherspoon vs 1969–72 Quarry: Witherspoon 7/10. Most likely: Witherspoon UD 12, something like 116–112. Secondary possibility: Witherspoon stops Quarry around rounds 9–11 if Quarry's face gets badly cut or he accumulates too much damage. Quarry's best route: keep the fight at midrange, counter Witherspoon's jab/right hand, attack the body, and turn it into a high-tempo fight where Witherspoon loses focus. Interestingly, I think Quarry could be more competitive with Witherspoon than with someone like Lennox Lewis, because Witherspoon wasn't overwhelmingly tall or long and sometimes fought down to his opposition. But Witherspoon's combination of size, chin, skill and right-hand power is still a little too much. Prime Witherspoon: 65–70%. Quarry: 30–35%.
I think Witherspoon should win this unless he shows up grossly out of shape and with his head up his backside
People are underrating Jerry's skill level. Skill and gameness were his two greatest attributes. He wasn't very big. He wasn't very athletic. He had decent pop for a 200 lb guy. But his actual skill level, when focused and sharp, was top notch. Tough fight to call. I'd lean with the best version of Timmy because his physical attributes were dominant and, he too, had excellent skills.
Tim is too slow and low output to keep up with Quarry. Even at his best, Witherspoon didn’t display an impressive workrate in the ring. I’d say Quarry outworks him with consistent body punching on the inside. Quarry via UD or MD.
I saw Quarry ko Mac Foster at MSG in NY - I saw him ko Earnie Shavers and I saw him outbox and shake up the undefeated Ron Lyle (who fought more of a survivors fight after getting rocked) I also seen Quarry get off the floor to ko Joe Alexander at the Nassau coliseum. I was never really impressed with Tim Witherspoon - he had a close fight with Holmes (many felt he won) but Tim was not always in the best condition and although he could box a little and punch a bit, he lacked stamina and drive. Tim took a good punch, but Jerry was good at going to the body and head and if he could hit you, he could hurt you. Tim would get hurt to the body and Jerry would switch up to the head. Jerry could get the stop or if Tim tries to survive Jerry could coast rather than chase for a UD. I like Jerry for the stop. I would wager strongly for JQ
The best of Witherspoon gets the jab off and outboxes Quarry. Even if Quarry gets past the jab, Witherspoon has the tools on the inside as well.
