Remembering Heavyweight Tim “The Hebrew Hammer” Puller
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By Daniel Sisneros
Philadelphia’s “Hebrew Hammer” Tim Puller was an imposing figure at 6′ 6″ tall. He stepped onto the Pro Heavyweight boxing scene on Nov. 30, 1990 with a 2nd round tko over 282 pound Pedro Garcia in a bout held at The Sands Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
He built a record of 6-0, 3 ko’s, including a nice win over Los Angeles’ Leon Carter (3-0, 2 ko) in an early showdown of young up & coming unbeaten heavyweights before taking his first defeat at the hands of Sim Warrior. That bout was held at The Hacienda in Las Vegas, NV. Puller would avenge that loss to Mr. Warrior 8 months later with a very satisfying 8 round decision victory.
He put together a nice 5-1, 3 ko streak after that loss (which included the revenge win over Warrior), and took a record of 11-2, 6 ko’s into his challenge for the vacant IBC Heavyweight Title against fellow fringe contender – Sherman Griffin (16-4, 12 ko) in Harlingen, TX. It was a great night for Puller who battled his way to an 8th round technical knockout over Griffin to claim the IBC World Heavyweight Title.
Tim never defended that title, but instead, stepped up to begin facing world class opposition. He defeated well respected journeyman Mike Dixon via 10 round unanimous decision, and then faced 3 current or future world champions. Chris Byrd (11-0, 8 ko), Tim Witherspoon (42-4, 28 ko), and Lou Savarese (34-0, 28 ko). Puller was stopped by all 3.
Tim then began fighting in Washington State, where he put together a string of 7 straight wins, which included an 8 round win over former IBO/WBF Heavyweight Title challenger – Craig Payne (12-14-1, 8 ko), and Tim’s last pro victory – a clear 10 round decision victory over former WBA Heavyweight Title challenger, the legendary James “Quick” Tillis (42-20-1, 31 ko).
Puller would fight just twice more losing a decision to Marvin Hunt in 2000, and being stopped in round 4 by Yohan Banks in his final bout, 13 years later, on Sept. 21, 2013.
Puller ended his pro boxing career with a record of: 20 wins, 7 defeats, winning 11 by knockout. His boxing days spanned 23 years, with a 13 year layoff before trying it one more time in 2013. He got only one shot at a title, and won it. A very likable gentleman who was good with the fans, and had lots of support from boxing fans around the USA.
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