Tony Tubbs

Tony Tubbs (born February 15, 1958) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1980 to 2006, and held the WBA heavyweight title from 1985 to 1986.

Tony Tubbs
Statistics
Nickname(s)TNT
Weight(s)Heavyweight
Height6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Reach79 in (201 cm)
NationalityAmerican
Born (1958-02-15) February 15, 1958
Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights59
Wins47
Wins by KO25
Losses10
No contests2
Medal record
World Cup
Gold medal – first place 1979 New York Heavyweight

Amateur career

As an amateur, Tony Tubbs competed in 253 bouts, compiling a record of 240 wins and 13 losses—primarily in the heavyweight division.[1] In a 1976 match between the USSR and the United States, Tubbs lost by knockout in the second round to future Soviet Heavyweight Champion Igor Vysotsky.[2]

In 1978 Tubbs lost in the quarterfinals of the world Cup to Cuban boxer Teofilo Stevenson. Tubbs was the only opponent who managed to go the distance with Stevenson. Tubbs trained with the Muhammad Ali Amateur Boxing Team in Santa Monica, CA. In 1979, Tubbs became the National AAU Heavyweight Champion by defeating Mitch Green and Greg Page, both contests were rematches of previous defeats. In the match-up meetings USSR versus the United States Tubbs defeated the two-time amateur European champion Yevgeni Gorstkov and the future silver medalist of the Olympic games Pyotr Zayev. In 1979 Tubbs won the AIBA Boxing World Cup, defeating Khoren Indzhyan, and finally avenged his loss to Marvis Frazier, who prior to that upset went unbeaten with a 42–0 (21 KOs) record.[3]

By 1980 the conclusion of Tubbs's amateur career was the Olympic Games, but Tubbs was unable compete due to the US boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games. Among his other notable Amateur victories were defeating James Broad and Jimmy Clark, and 1980 Olympic bronze medalist Stephen Left. As an amateur, Tubbs worked as a sparring partner to Muhammad Ali, helping the former to prepare for his rematch with Leon Spinks for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Highlights

Tubbs finished his career having 253 fights, with a record of 240 wins, 13 losses.[4]

Professional career

Early years

Tubbs made his professional debut on June 14, 1980, with a first-round knockout of Bruce Scott. After 11 fights, he fought fellow undefeated prospect Clarence Hill on August 7, 1982 and won by a ten-round unanimous decision. After out-pointing Jimmy Young (who had defeated George Foreman) on April 10, 1983, he was signed by Don King and began rising up the rankings while appearing on several King undercards. On March 15, 1985, he faced future WBA Heavyweight Champ James "Bonecrusher" Smith in a WBA title eliminator. Tubbs won by a unanimous decision, taking his record to 20-0 (15 knockouts).

World heavyweight title fights
Main article: Mike Tyson vs. Tony Tubbs

On April 29, 1985, Tubbs challenged Greg Page for the WBA Heavyweight Championship. Page and Tubbs fought seven times as amateurs, with Page winning six of them, but for their only meeting as professionals, Tubbs won by a fifteen-round unanimous decision. On January 17, 1986, Tubbs made his first title defense against former WBC Heavyweight Champion Tim Witherspoon. Tubbs weighed-in at 244 pounds (111 kg), 15 more than he weighed for the Page fight, and lost the title by a fifteen-round majority decision.

Tubbs and Witherspoon had a rematch scheduled for December 12, 1986, but Tubbs pulled out of the fight and was replaced by Bonecrusher Smith, who knocked Witherspoon out in the first round. Tubbs said he had an injured shoulder, but promoter Don King accused Tubbs of trying to get more money. On March 21, 1988, Tubbs challenged Mike Tyson for the Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship; after out-boxing Tyson in the first round, Tubbs was knocked out in the second.

On November 21, 1989, Tubbs out-pointed top contender Orlin Norris, winning the North American Boxing Federation title. However, Tubbs tested positive for cocaine.[5] Tubbs was stripped of the title and the victory was changed to a "no contest".

On April 20, 1991, a 34-year-old Tubbs lost a highly controversial ten-round decision to future Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion, Riddick Bowe.[6] The general consensus in the media was that Tubbs had easily outboxed Bowe.[7] On August 8, 1992, Tubbs was upset by Lionel Butler in a first-round knockout. Tubbs came back to out-point future WBA Heavyweight Champion Bruce Seldon, knocking him down in the 1st round, and the undefeated Alexander Zolkin, but then suffered another first-round knockout—this one to clubfighter Jimmy Ellis.

People's Choice Heavyweight Tournament

In December 1993, Tubbs took part in the one-night People's Choice Heavyweight Tournament in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. He knocked out Willie Jackson in the first round and won three-round decisions over 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist Tyrell Biggs, Jose Ribalta, and Daniel Dăncuţă to win the tournament. Depending on pay-per-view revenue, he had a chance to win $1 million. He was paid $170,000.

Late career

From 1994 to 1997, Tubbs went 3–3 with one no-contest. He retired but came back in 2002. He lost two of his first three comeback fights, but then won his next five, including a win over 18-0 Brian Minto. His last fight was a six-round unanimous decision over clubfighter Adam Smith on November 4, 2006.

California Boxing Hall of Fame

Tubbs was inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame on June 25, 2011 in Studio City, CA. Tubbs attended the induction with his family, mother and children.

Professional boxing record
59 fights 47 wins 10 losses
By knockout 25 5
By decision 21 5
By disqualification 1 0
No contests 2
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
59 Win 47–10 (2) Adam Smith UD 6 Nov 4, 2006 Waterfront Place Hotel, Morgantown, West Virginia, U.S.
58 Win 46–10 (2) Jason Waller TKO 7 (8), 2:05 Aug 6, 2006 Grand Victoria Casino & Resort, Rising Sun, Indiana, U.S.
57 Win 45–10 (2) Danny Wofford UD 6 Feb 25, 2005 Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
56 Win 44–10 (2) Brian Minto SD 10 Dec 30, 2004 Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort, Chester, West Virginia, U.S. Won West Virginia heavyweight title
55 Win 43–10 (2) Brian Sargent TKO 1 (6), 1:25 Oct 29, 2004 Civic Arena, St. Joseph, Missouri, U.S.
54 Loss 42–10 (2) Abraham Okine TKO 8 (10), 2:20 Jul 25, 2003 Lakeview Resort, Morgantown, West Virginia, U.S.
53 Loss 42–9 (2) Gilbert Martinez UD 10 Jan 17, 2003 Palace Indian Gaming Center, Lemoore, California, U.S.
52 Win 42–8 (2) Michael Shanks TKO 2 (4), 0:52 Mar 26, 2002 Cumberland Place Exhibition Center, West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.
51 Win 41–8 (2) Mario Oscar Melo KO 5 (10) Aug 30, 1997 Estadio Polideportivo Islas Malvinas, Mar del Plata, Argentina
50 Loss 40–8 (2) Brian Nielsen RTD 3 (10) Oct 20, 1995 Circus Building, Copenhagen, Denmark
49 Loss 40–7 (2) Alexander Zolkin MD 12 Aug 25, 1995 Bally's Park Place, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S. For NABF heavyweight title
48 Win 40–6 (2) Andre Crowder KO 1 (10), 2:48 Mar 29, 1995 Myrl H. Shoemaker Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
47 Loss 39–6 (2) Jimmy Thunder PTS 12 Dec 6, 1994 The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S. For IBO heavyweight title
46 NC 39–5 (2) William Morris UD 10 Oct 4, 1994 The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S. Originally a UD win for Tubbs, later ruled an NC
45 Win 39–5 (1) Everett Martin UD 10 Feb 22, 1994 The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
44 Win 38–5 (1) Willie Jackson UD 3 Dec 3, 1993 Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
43 Win 37–5 (1) Tyrell Biggs UD 3 Dec 3, 1993 Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
42 Win 36–5 (1) Jose Ribalta UD 3 Dec 3, 1993 Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
41 Win 35–5 (1) Daniel Dăncuță UD 3 Dec 3, 1993 Casino Magic, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, U.S.
40 Loss 34–5 (1) Jimmy Ellis KO 1 Aug 16, 1993 Boise, Idaho, U.S.
39 Win 34–4 (1) Melton Bowen UD 10 Apr 27, 1993 The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
38 Win 33–4 (1) Alexander Zolkin UD 10 Feb 2, 1993 The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
37 Win 32–4 (1) Jesse Ferguson UD 10 Nov 24, 1992 The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan, U.S.
36 Win 31–4 (1) Bruce Seldon UD 10 Oct 14, 1992 Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
35 Loss 30–4 (1) Lionel Butler KO 1 (10), 3:00 Aug 18, 1992 Bayfront Plaza Auditorium, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.
34 Win 30–3 (1) Leon Taylor TKO 8 (10), 1:07 Feb 16, 1992 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
33 Loss 29–3 (1) Riddick Bowe UD 10 Apr 20, 1991 Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
32 Win 29–2 (1) Lawrence Carter RTD 6 (10) Oct 20, 1990 Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
31 Win 28–2 (1) Mike Cohen TKO 6 (10), 2:59 Jul 28, 1990 Trump's Castle, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
30 NC 27–2 (1) Orlin Norris MD 12 Nov 21, 1989 Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, California, U.S. NABF heavyweight title at stake;
Originally an MD win for Tubbs, later ruled an NC after he failed a drug test
29 Win 27–2 Ladislao Mijangos TKO 3 (10) Jun 24, 1989 Bakersfield, California, U.S.
28 Win 26–2 Eddie Richardson DQ 8 (10), 1:03 May 6, 1989 Civic Center, Pensacola, Florida, U.S. Richardson disqualified for an intentional headbutt
27 Win 25–2 Mike Evans UD 10 Apr 20, 1989 The Strand, Redondo Beach, California, U.S.
26 Loss 24–2 Mike Tyson TKO 2 (12), 2:54 Mar 21, 1988 Tokyo Dome, Tokyo, Japan For WBA, WBC, and IBF heavyweight titles
25 Win 24–1 Eddie Gonzales RTD 3 (10), 3:00 Sep 29, 1987 Celebrity Theatre, Anaheim, California, U.S.
24 Win 23–1 Jerry Halstead UD 10 May 30, 1987 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
23 Win 22–1 Mike Jameson UD 10 Apr 20, 1987 Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, California, U.S.
22 Loss 21–1 Tim Witherspoon MD 15 Jan 17, 1986 Omni Coliseum, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Lost WBA heavyweight title
21 Win 21–0 Greg Page UD 15 Apr 29, 1985 Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, New York, U.S. Won WBA heavyweight title
20 Win 20–0 James Smith UD 10 Mar 15, 1985 Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
19 Win 19–0 Tim Miller TKO 2 (10) Jan 16, 1985 Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
18 Win 18–0 Jerry Williams TKO 7 (10), 2:39 Nov 9, 1984 Riviera, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.
17 Win 17–0 Tom Trimm TKO 2 (10) Mar 18, 1984 Civic Auditorium, Santa Monica, California, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 Gordon Racette UD 10 Sep 9, 1983 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 Jimmy Young UD 10 Apr 10, 1983 Hilton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 Larry Givens TKO 7 (10), 1:06 Feb 25, 1983 Cincinnati Gardens, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
13 Win 13–0 Steve Zouski TKO 5 (10) Sep 18, 1982 Sands, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 Clarence Hill UD 10 Aug 7, 1982 University, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Clayman Parker TKO 1, 2:02 Jun 12, 1982 Playboy Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Baker Tinsley KO 3, 1:41 Apr 11, 1982 Playboy Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Don Halpin UD 8 Dec 18, 1981 David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Jesse Brown TKO 1, 2:24 Nov 21, 1981 Vegas Club, Erlanger, Kentucky, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 Dennis Wimberly TKO 2, 2:35 Aug 21, 1981 Thomas Dunn Sports Center, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Mike Creel RTD 3 (8), 3:00 Nov 29, 1980 Grand Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Larry Sims TKO 3 (6) Nov 22, 1980 Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 John L Johnson TKO 1 (6), 2:17 Nov 14, 1980 Jai-Alai Fronton, Miami, Florida, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Ron Draper PTS 6 Nov 7, 1980 HemisFair Arena, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Ron Draper TKO 4 (6), 0:54 Aug 2, 1980 Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Bruce Scott TKO 1 (6), 1:13 Jun 14, 1980 Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.

References
  1. BoxRec. "Tony Tubbs Amateur Career". BoxRec. Retrieved 11 June 2014.
  2. "Igor Vysotsky Boxing Record". BoxRec. Retrieved 11 June 2014.
  3. Frazier sees self in son, Lansing State Journal, December 9, 1979, p. 53.
  4. Tony Tubbs Career Record at BoxingRecords.com. Last updated: March 1, 2006.
  5. "In the News - Tony Tubbs". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 23 March 2015.
  6. Last, First. "The 50 Closest and Sometimes Controversial Decisions in Boxing: Volume 3". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
  7. "Boxing – WBA Heavyweight Championship – Champ Greg Page VS Tony "TNT" Tubbs". ImaSportsphile. 2016-06-19. Retrieved 2023-10-18.

Sources
  • Toledo Blade February 3, 1980
  • The Pittsburgh Press April 7, 1983
  • Gettysburg Times April 30, 1985
  • Philadelphia Inquirer January 18, 1986
  • Daily News December 5, 1986
  • Los Angeles Times March 22, 1988
  • Sports Illustrated March 29, 1988
  • New York Times July 22, 1992
  • Philadelphia Inquirer December 8, 1993
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