Deontay Wilder Vs “Terrible” Tim Witherspoon: Mythical Matchup

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By Dave “Mythical” Siderski

Deontay Wilder is the most intriguing American Heavyweight to come along in some time. Standing an imposing 6’7’’, his professional record stands at an impressive 34-0, 33 KO’s. Wilder recently captured the WBC version of the Heavyweight title with a decision win over Bermane Stiverne in January. He’s defended the title once with a 9th round TKO over Eric Molina in June.

Is Wilder worthy of the hype, a guy who can provide a legitimate challenge to Wladimir Klitschko? Or is he just the great American hope? Let’s bring back a former champion from the 1980’s to challenge him as we explore the answer.

“Terrible” Tim Witherspoon was arguably the best of the litany of “B-side” Heavyweight champions during the seven year reign of Larry Holmes. Tim was a two time champion who never quite ascended to greatness but was very talented and dangerous on any given night. Some felt Witherspoon actually defeated Holmes in their May 1983 matchup. Today’s mythical matchup will pit that version of “Terrible Tim” versus the Wilder of today.

Wilder vs Witherspoon, who will prevail? Let’s find out!

A capacity crowd has gathered at the MGM grand in Las Vegas, NV as Deontay Wilder faces his toughest test to date in Tim Witherspoon. Wilder is a 2-1 favorite according to the Las Vegas odds makers. However, the experts are evenly divided on who will win this one. Referee Mills Lane issues the final instructions and with his final command of “Let’s Get It On!!!!” the bell rings for the start of round one.

The height disparity between the two men is noticeable early as Wilder towers over the 6’3” Witherspoon. Deontay has the better of the action in round one controlling the fight from the outside while Witherspoon patiently looks for a way to get close. This pattern continues in round two as Wilder is the busier and sharper of the two men. Tim is blocking and slipping most of Deontay’s punches but accomplishing little offensively. He is extremely wary of Wilder’s dangerous power.

Wilder dominates the first two minutes of round three but Witherspoon begins to establish his body attack late in the round. As the round comes to a close, Terrible Tim lands a sharp counter right which snaps Deontay’s head back. Encouraged by his success late in the third round, Witherspoon becomes more aggressive in round four. However, this proves to be a mistake as Wilder catches him on the point of the chin with a perfect right which sends Tim crashing to the canvas. Witherspoon is up at the count of seven but badly hurt. Tim desperately holds while Wilder tries to close the show. A glancing left by Deontay sends Tim to the canvas again late in the round. However, Witherspoon is game and manages to survive the round.

As round five begins, Witherspoon is still on rubbery legs and well behind on points. Wilder lands a wicked right that staggers Tim halfway through the round. Deontay tries to move in for the finish but walks into a tremendous counter right by Witherspoon. Both men are now hurt as they trade furiously on the inside for the remainder of the round. The tide begins to turn over the next three rounds as Wilder seems to be tiring. Witherspoon is pushing him around on the inside and battering him to the body. Tim now seems to have no fear now as Deontay’s punches have lost their steam.

By round nine, Witherspoon’s pressure is really paying dividends. However, late in the round Tim lands a left that strays much lower than intended, sending Wilder writhing to the canvas. Although the foul is completely accidental, Lane deducts two points from Witherspoon to the dismay of the crowd. Witherspoon continues to dominate early in round ten before Wilder catches him with a tremendous right. Tim is now badly hurt again. Deontay tries to follow up but simply doesn’t have enough energy left to land the finishing blow.

By the middle of the eleventh, Witherspoon has completely recovered and continues his relentless attack. With ten seconds remaining in the round, he catches Wilder with a smashing right to the chin sending him to the canvas. Deontay beats the count but returns to the corner with barely a leg under him. Wilder still looks shaky at the start of the final round. However, Witherspoon is surprisingly cautious, letting valuable time tick off the clock while he looks for the perfect finishing blow. With 45 seconds remaining, Witherspoon lands a vicious left, right combination to the body followed by a hard left hook to the jaw that staggers Wilder. Deontay holds on for dear life while Witherspoon pounds him along the ropes. Wilder manages to survive to the final bell.
It’s literally a 50/50 proposition as ringsiders are sharply divided on who won the fight. Is it Wilder’s early dominance or Witherspoon’s late rally that carries the night? Let’s go to the

Scorecards:
Judge Duane Ford scores 113-112 Wilder
Judge Julie Lederman scores 113-112 Witherspoon
Judge Jerry Roth scores 114-111 Wilder

Deontay Wilder wins by a narrow and controversial split decision! Many in the crowd boo as the verdict is announced. Wilder has survived his toughest test to day. However, we’re it not for the controversial two point penalty against Witherspoon in the 9th, he would have gone home a loser on this particular evening. It’s clear he has much work to do on his game before challenging Wladimir Klitschko.

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