Tim Witherspoon began his second reign as a world champion on January 17, 1986, when he edged out Tony Tubbs by majority decision to capture the WBA heavyweight title. The victory returned “Terrible Tim” to the top of the division after his earlier WBC reign. His reign featured a single but memorable defense: a grueling showdown against Britain’s Frank Bruno at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 1986, where Witherspoon rallied late to stop Bruno in the 11th round before a massive home crowd. His title run ended abruptly in a stunning upset on December 12, 1986, when James “Bonecrusher” Smith floored him three times in the opening round at Madison Square Garden, losing the belt via the WBA’s three-knockdown rule. Despite its brevity, this second reign cemented Witherspoon’s status as a two-time heavyweight champion during a turbulent and competitive mid-1980s era.

01/17/1986 - Tim Witherspoon (Second reign)

Witherspoon began his second reign as a world champion on January 17, 1986, when he edged out Tony Tubbs by majority decision to capture the WBA heavyweight title. The victory returned “Terrible Tim” to the top of the division after his earlier WBC reign. His reign featured a single but memorable defense: a grueling showdown against Britain’s Frank Bruno at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 1986, where Witherspoon rallied late to stop Bruno in the 11th round before a massive home crowd.

His title run ended abruptly in a stunning upset on December 12, 1986, when James “Bonecrusher” Smith floored him three times in the opening round at Madison Square Garden, losing the belt via the WBA’s three-knockdown rule. Despite its brevity, this second reign cemented Witherspoon’s status as a two-time heavyweight champion during a turbulent and competitive mid-1980s era.