Larry Holmes Retains Heavyweight Title With Controversial Decision Win Vs. Tim Witherspoon – May 20, 1983 (This Day In Boxing History)

It was Larry Holmes’ 15th title defense, and Tim Witherspoon didn’t let him get by easily.

Holmes retained his WBC heavyweight title over Witherspoon with a split decision victory, but Holmes struggled to get past his opponent.

The ninth round changed the course for Homes, who was a 6-to-1 favorite going into the fight.

Witherspoon stunned the champion in the ninth, which was later named The Ring’s Round of the Year.

When Holmes was announced the winner, the crowd booed. Many felt that Witherspoon had done enough for the upset.