41 years ago

Date: 20th May 1983

Title: WBC World Heavyweight Title

Promoter: Don King Productions

Referee: Mills Lane

Larry Holmes
( 42 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 213 lbs

Tim Witherspoon
( 15 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 219½ lbs

On May 20, 1983, at the Dunes Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Larry Holmes put his WBC heavyweight title on the line for the 15th time against the undefeated Tim Witherspoon in what was part of the world's first-ever heavyweight championship doubleheader. The outdoor arena hosted an estimated 18,000 spectators, filling most of its 20,000-seat capacity for a night of boxing featuring Michael Dokes defending his WBA title against Mike Weaver in a rematch.

At the weigh-in, Holmes came in at 213 pounds, later admitting he may have been too light against Witherspoon, who weighed 219½ pounds and displayed unexpected strength. Holmes also revealed he was dealing with physical issues leading up to the fight, blaming a dietary misstep after the weigh-in for leaving him weakened on fight night. The champion claimed he lost strength due to a severe bout of diarrhoea, saying he "left a lot of strength in the bathroom."

Witherspoon, a relatively inexperienced but ambitious challenger with a record of 15-0, was given little chance by the bookmakers, who had Holmes as a 6-to-1 favourite. Despite Holmes having already fought and won earlier in the year against Lucien Rodriguez, Witherspoon turned out to be anything but a routine opponent. Employing a cross-arm defence reminiscent of Ken Norton and mixing in a sharp right hand, Witherspoon made it clear early that Holmes would have to dig deep.

In the pivotal ninth round, Witherspoon rocked Holmes with a powerful right hand to the side of the head, putting the champion in serious trouble. Holmes, showing his trademark durability, weathered the storm but struggled to reassert control in an increasingly competitive fight as it progressed. Witherspoon, emboldened by his success, consistently found opportunities to land his jab and follow up with power shots, forcing Holmes to rely on his experience and grit to stay in the contest.

After 12 hard-fought rounds, the judges delivered a split decision. Chuck Hassett scored a wide 118-111 for Holmes, while Chuck Minker scored a narrower 115-113 for the champion. Herb Santos, however, saw it 115-114 in favour of Witherspoon. The outcome sparked controversy, with many at ringside feeling the younger challenger had done enough to dethrone the champion. Witherspoon voiced his disappointment, saying, "I definitely thought I won. He's a great champion, but I think I'm better. I know I am."

Holmes's victory extended his unbeaten record to 43-0 and marked another title defence, but it came at a cost. The fight revealed vulnerabilities in the long-reigning champion, and for Witherspoon, it was a coming-out party that established him as a serious contender in the heavyweight division.