41 years ago

Tim Witherspoon vs James Bonecrusher Smith

Fight Details

  • Date: 15th June 1985
  • Venue: Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Title: NABF Heavyweight Title
  • Promoter: Don King
  • Referee: Richard Steele
  • TV: HBO World Championship Boxing

Fighters

Tim Witherspoon

Record: 25-2-0

Weight: 221½ lbs

James Smith

Record: 18-5-0

Weight: 228¾ lbs

Fight Summary

Tim Witherspoon defended his North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Heavyweight title against James 'Bonecrusher' Smith on June 15, 1985, on a Don King-promoted card. The fight demonstrated the gap in class between the two heavyweights over twelve rounds.

Witherspoon controlled the action throughout, with his superior boxing skills evident as he repeatedly outmanoeuvred and outboxed Smith. Under referee Richard Steele's supervision, the champion put on a masterclass, reflected in the unanimous scoring. All three judges - Dick Cole, John McSweeney, and Dave Moretti - turned in identical scorecards of 119-109 in Witherspoon's favour.

The bout represented Witherspoon's first defence of his NABF title, and while Smith showed durability in lasting the distance, he could not mount any significant offence against the champion. The one-sided nature of the contest was evident in the scoring, with Smith claiming just a single round on each judge's card.

Tim Witherspoon vs James Bonecrusher Smith on YouTube

YouTube

FAQ

Who won the Tim Witherspoon vs James Smith fight?

Tim Witherspoon won by unanimous decision.

When did Tim Witherspoon vs James Smith take place?

Tim Witherspoon vs James Smith took place on 15th June 1985.

Where did the Tim Witherspoon vs James Smith fight take place?

It took place at Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada.

What titles were at stake in the Tim Witherspoon vs James Smith fight?

Tim Witherspoon and James Smith fought for the NABF Heavyweight Title.

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