40 years ago
Tim Witherspoon vs Pinklon Thomas
Date: 31st August 1984
Venue: Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NevadaTitle: WBC World Heavyweight Title
Promoter: Don King Productions
Tv: HBO
Tim Witherspoon
(
18
-
1
-
0
)
Weight: 217 lbs
Pinklon Thomas
(
24
-
0
-
1
)
Weight: 216 lbs
Tim Witherspoon had captured the WBC Heavyweight Title just five months earlier, defeating Greg Page by majority decision for the vacant belt. Larry Holmes had relinquished the Title, choosing to be recognised as the IBF champion instead. Pinklon Thomas, a rising contender with a record of 24-0-1, had earned his shot at the title after an impressive draw against Gerrie Coetzee in January 1983.
The Fight:
The opening round was a feeling-out process, with both fighters testing each other's defences. However, from Round 2 onward, Thomas began to assert his dominance. His powerful, Sonny Liston-esque jab consistently found its mark on Witherspoon's face, causing the champion to blink furiously. Witherspoon complained to referee Richard Steele that Thomas was thumbing him, but Steele saw no illegal tactics.
As the fight progressed, Thomas's superior boxing skills became more evident. He maintained a safe distance, peppering Witherspoon with jabs and slipping the champion's counter-punches with a nonchalant defence. In Round 5, Steele deducted a point from Witherspoon for backhanding, further tilting the scorecards in Thomas's favour.
By Round 9, Thomas had built a commanding lead on the judges' scorecards. He coasted through the final three rounds, content to maintain his advantage and avoid any unnecessary risks. Despite his best efforts, Witherspoon could not find a way to turn the tide.
The Scorecards:
The judges' scorecards were somewhat controversial. Hal Miller scored the bout even at 114-114, a tally that many observers felt did not reflect the reality of the fight. However, Dalby Shirley (115-112) and Duane Ford (116-112) had Thomas winning comfortably, giving him the majority decision victory. The Associated Press unofficial scorecard also favored Thomas, 113-115.
Aftermath:
For Pinklon Thomas, the victory marked a remarkable turnaround in his life. Born in Pontiac, Michigan, Thomas had endured a troubled childhood marred by drug addiction and street violence. He first tried heroin at the age of 12 and had a $150-a-day habit by the time he was 14. Thomas's life was a constant struggle, with fights, pills, and alcohol consuming his every waking moment.
At 17, Thomas married Kathy Jones, whom he credits as a "gift" in his life. Kathy enlisted in the Army, and Thomas joined her at Fort Jackson in South Carolina before moving to Fort Lewis, Washington. There, Thomas met trainer Joe West and began his journey in boxing. Despite his initial struggles, Thomas dedicated himself to the sport, overcoming his addictions and honing his skills.
Under the guidance of legendary trainer Angelo Dundee, Thomas showcased abilities that drew comparisons to the great Sonny Liston, particularly with his powerful jab. His victory over Witherspoon solidified his place among the top heavyweights of the era.
For Tim Witherspoon, the loss was a bitter disappointment. He had lost his title in his first defence and found himself in a difficult position moving forward. The relatively low purse he had received for the fight, which had caused some distraction in the lead-up to the bout, only added to his frustration.
Pinklon Thomas would defend his WBC title twice before losing to Trevor Berbick in March 1986. Tim Witherspoon eventually regained a portion of the heavyweight title, defeating Tony Tubbs for the WBA belt in January 1986. However, his second reign was short-lived, as he lost the title to James "Bonecrusher" Smith just seven months later.
The Pinklon Thomas vs Tim Witherspoon fight is a testament to Thomas's remarkable journey from the streets to the pinnacle of the boxing world.
Tim Witherspoon vs Pinklon Thomas on YouTube
