41 years ago
Tim Witherspoon vs Greg Page
Date: 9th March 1984
Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Title: vacant WBC World Heavyweight Title
Promoter: Don King Productions
Tv: HBO
Tim Witherspoon
(
17
-
1
-
0
)
Weight: 220¼ lbs
Greg Page
(
23
-
1
-
0
)
Weight: 239½ lbs
Tim Witherspoon won the vacant WBC Heavyweight Title with a majority decision victory over Greg Page. The title had been relinquished by Larry Holmes, who refused to fight mandatory challenger Page due to a contract dispute with promoter Don King.
Despite being outweighed by nearly 20 pounds, Witherspoon seemed the stronger fighter, keeping Page backed into the corners for much of the bout. Page counterpunched well but lacked the power of Witherspoon's punches.
The judges' scorecards were split, with Jerry Roth and Lou Tabat scoring the fight 117-111 in favor of Witherspoon, while Chuck Minker had it even at 114-114. The Associated Press unofficial scorecard also favoured Witherspoon, 116-112.
After the fight, Witherspoon dedicated the victory to his South Philadelphia neighbourhood and expressed his willingness to defend the title against anyone. Page, on the other hand, was dejected and hinted at possibly leaving boxing altogether.
The win marked Witherspoon's second attempt at the title, having previously lost a disputed split decision to Larry Holmes in May 1983. Witherspoon would go on to lose the WBC title to Pinklon Thomas via majority decision in his first defense.
Tim Witherspoon vs Greg Page on YouTube
