Tim Witherspoon (born December 27, 1957) is a retired American boxer who fought in the heavyweight division. Witherspoon recorded 55 victories in 69 fights with 38 knockouts and is a two-time former world heavyweight champion, having won the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association championships in his career. At the time of his second title victory, Witherspoon joined Floyd Patterson and Muhammad Ali as the only fighters to win multiple world heavyweight championships.
Witherspoon also worked in early years, developing skills, as a regular respected sparring partner for Muhammad Ali, who apparently coined the Knickname 'Terrible' as a compliment. Witherspoons style was a pressure fighter, using the unusual cross-arm guard, similar to Ken Norton, with a strong fast overhand right.
Witherspoon had eight and a half amateur bouts, losing one to Marvis Frazier on decision after getting knocked down.
Making his professional debut with a first-round TKO over Joe Adams on October 30, 1979, Witherspoon quickly rose through the ranks. In 1981, he participated in his first high profile fight, knocking out future world cruiserweight champion Alfonzo Ratliff, after which he was signed by an impressed Don King. Witherspoon was a sparring partner of Ali as he was training to fight Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick. Ali also gave Witherspoon his ring alias of "Terrible" Tim Witherspoon.