Witherspoon (left) towards Web page. Photograph by The Ring Journal/ Getty Pictures
It was the primary time in boxing historical past that three males might lay declare to the heavyweight thrown.
On March 9, 1984, Tim Witherspoon annexed the vacant WBC title when he scored a 12-round majority resolution over Greg Web page on the Las Vegas Conference Middle. One choose scored the bout 114-114, however was overruled by two tallies of 117-111 in favor of Witherspoon.
The WBC title had been relinquished by long-reigning champion Larry Holmes. Holmes, who outpointed Witherspoon in Could 1983, refused to struggle necessary challenger Web page in favor of a a lot larger payday towards Marvis Frazier. With Frazier disposed of inside a spherical, Holmes rapidly vacated the title and accepted recognition from the newly fashioned IBF.
As the 2 top-rated WBC contenders, Web page and Witherspoon have been then matched for that group’s vacant crown. And if that wasn’t complicated sufficient, the WBA’s heavyweight titleholder was South African puncher Gerrie Coetzee.
Holmes, nevertheless, was the universally acknowledged king of the glamor division with 17 title defenses beneath his belt. He would efficiently defend on an extra three events earlier than being outpointed by Michael Spinks in September 1985.
Witherspoon would lose the WBC title to Pinklon Thomas, by way of 12-round majority resolution, in his maiden protection. Web page scored an eighth-round knockout over Coetzee to assert the WBA strap, within the fall of 1984, however was instantly succeeded by Tony Tubbs, who outpointed him over 15 rounds.
