Witherspoon vs Tyson:How does this fight play out?

[Toney616]

The Witherspoon that fought Holmes vs the Tyson who fought Ruddock II. Also, does anyone know if there was ever a realistic chance of these two ever fighting in the late 80's or early 90's?

[Obama]

Witherspoon was not at his best versus Bruno, he was a good 15 lbs over weight. And there were plenty of chances for these guys to fight in the 80s. '86 would have been ideal.

220 lb Witherspoon on his A game wins a split decision. Witherspoon's boxing skills are superior to James Quick Tillis', who out boxed Tyson for half of their fight.

I'm also aware Tyson didn't peak until '88. But Tim was on the slide by then and probably could never beat a Tyson that good anyways.

[Toney616]

Witherspoon was not at his best versus Bruno, he was a good 15 lbs over weight. And there were plenty of chances for these guys to fight in the 80s. '86 would have been ideal.

Can you elaborate more on this? I don't think Tyson would of been ready to fight him pre Berbick

220 lb Witherspoon on his A game wins a split decision. Witherspoon's boxing skills are superior to James Quick Tillis', who out boxed Tyson for half of their fight.

Thanks for this hopefully I can find this fight online

I'm also aware Tyson didn't peak until '88. But Tim was on the slide by then and probably could never beat a Tyson that good anyways.

I recently watched Mercer vs Witherspoon, Tim was clearly on the slide but he still had skills and an iron chin. As for the final score I think it was scored 7-3 to Mercer, which was a clear robbery

[StarshipTrooper]

Witherspoon was always the guy I had pegged to take Tyson's "0". Thanks to Don King we never got a chance to see if I was right.

Poet

[sonnyboyx2]

Witherspoon was always the guy I had pegged to take Tyson's "0". Thanks to Don King we never got a chance to see if I was right.

Poet

yes i was the same as you poet, i always thought Witherspoon would be the guy to beat Tyson back in the late 80s

[Sugarj]

Witherspoon was good, but I dont think he beats the Tyson that fought Ruddock. Tyson was impressive the night he met Ruddock the second time, not quite what he was but still very very good..

It wouldn't be a 'Bonecrusher' like first round job on Tim, but I think Tyson would dominate his way to a late stoppage or decision.

[Emon723]

Tyson stops Witherspoon in Seven Rounds, I don't think anyone could beat Iron Mike around '87-'88, all his opponents were afraid of him.

[Obama]

Can you elaborate more on this? I don't think Tyson would of been ready to fight him pre Berbick

86 was ideal because that's when they were both at the very top of the ratings (pre-Smith defeat for Witherspoon).

And Tyson had fought a few guys in the same league as Berbick, pre-Berbick. Frazier & Boogieman most notably.

[Toney616]

86 was ideal because that's when they were both at the very top of the ratings (pre-Smith defeat for Witherspoon).

And Tyson had fought a few guys in the same league as Berbick, pre-Berbick. Frazier & Boogieman most notably.

Thanks for the info.
I got around to watching Witherspoon-smith II the other day, I think Tim took a dive in that fight. Whats the point of fighting when you know that at least 90% of your purse is going to get stolen from you.

[Toney616]

Tyson stops Witherspoon in Seven Rounds, I don't think anyone could beat Iron Mike around '87-'88, all his opponents were afraid of him.

Witherspoon had never been koed, at that point or even badly hurt. I think he was at least as durable as Tucker who went the distance with Tyson. Whatever the outcome I personally think it goes to the scorecards