A two time world Heavyweight champion with some decent wins (Frank Bruno, Greg Page, James Tills, Jorge Luis Gonzalez, Bonecrusher Smith) and, (arguably), a win over a hall of famer (Larry Holmes) Discuss...
He wasn’t a popular fighter among fans or the media. Had some big wins for sure and was ranked in the rings top ten for a combined 11 years as well. But also a lot of flat performances and a few bad losses. If he had been awarded the decision against Holmes in 1983 ( which in my opinion was a 50/50 fight ) it would have made all the difference in the world
Whenever he rose, he had some issues while going up or being at the top, drug issues, court disputes with Don King, he never was able to reach his full potential and show the world it because he was inconsistent. The only difference that we see now between him and other titlists is that he had more talent and skill than the other ones.
He pooped a hammer in 1997. After that, a lot of the media turned on him. And it was already a salty relationship.
That is quite a lofty position even though some have gotten in with not too much, but Tim's weakness was that second Bonecrusher fight and at times looking less inspired. Having potential and living up to it are the keys to getting into anything like a Hall of Fame.
The HOF is 30 years old they haven't gotten to the more borderline fighters yet. Most fighters in the HOF are obvious HOFers. I think its too soon to say hes been "rejected". Because I think he will get in as time passes and I think he might be the first 80s alphabet guy to get in. It would be Tucker but 21st century fans don't like Tuckers type of resume.
If you have seen Gonzalez, Tillis, Smith, Page and Bruno fight, you will know why. None of them were very good.
Carl Williams...Al Cole...Jose Ribalta...James Broad....Renaldo Snipes... There are worse guys in the hall, but I think Witherspoon just rubs a lot of people the wrong way, because he had the talent to be to be great. At the end of the day he's one of them that a part of you wants to forget for the disappointments.
I always felt Holmes beat him clean I don’t see that fight as close as many other people do, and without that fight, his resume is not Hall of Fame worthy. I do feel I have to rewatch it that he was unlucky on the cards with Mercer in the mid late 90s and had he won, it would of been nice to see him motivated and get a decent late 90s fight with a big name.
That applys to his whole era though. Thats not just a Witherspoon problem. Look at all the H2H threads we've had about him in the past. He is respected.
