The left jab that opened him - and fifty seconds ended a reign

Failed to add items

Sorry, we are unable to add the item because your shopping basket is already at capacity.

Add to cart failed.

Please try again later

Add to wishlist failed.

Please try again later

Remove from wishlist failed.

Please try again later

Follow podcast failed

Unfollow podcast failed

The left jab that opened him - and fifty seconds ended a reign

Listen for free

View show details

A two-time world champion stands in Madison Square Garden as a left jab lands-and fifty seconds later everything he’d built hangs in the balance.

The left jab that opened him - and fifty seconds ended a reign

In this episode, we follow Timothy Witherspoon’s rise from Philadelphia streets to heavyweight champion and the December night that reframed his career. We outline the fights, figures, and decisions that led to a fifty-second moment everyone in Madison Square Garden watched but could not explain. What does a single round do to a life forged over years?

Person: Timothy Witherspoon
Date: December 1986
Location: Madison Square Garden
Event: Fifty-second knockout sequence
Promoter: Don King

- Grew up in Philadelphia and developed a fast left jab, chin, and willingness to engage from an early age
- Turned pro on October 30, 1979, and quickly demonstrated power and footwork that suited the professional game
- Signed by Don King after the 1981 knockout of Alfonzo Ratliff, which accelerated his path into top-tier opponents
- Sparred with Muhammad Ali, who nicknamed him "Terrible Tim," and used that experience to rise through contender ranks
- Won the WBC title on March 9, 1984, then lost it by majority decision to Pinklon Thomas on August 31, 1984, before the defining December 1986 fight

To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com.

© 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved.
This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: business@obomedia.com.

No reviews yet