This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/12/2013.
Tim Witherspoon was crowned WBC Heavyweight Champion after defeating Greg Page for the vacant title on March 9, 1984. Witherspoon was again crowned Champion after he defeated Tony “T.N.T.” Tubbs for the WBA World Heavyweight Title on January 17, 1986. This “CLETO REYES” manufactured green leather belt measures approximately 42” and weighs 3.2 lbs. Our consignor obtained the belt directly from Tim Witherspoon. The belt sports a brass center plate that reads “WORLD CHAMPION W.B.C.” surrounding the W.B.C. logo in relief. The perimeter of the center plate is adorned with the multi-colored flags of 80 different countries, each of which is enameled. Adjacent to the left and right of the center plate are two brass 2” medallions, enameled in black with a chain connecting them to the center. The left one features the image of Joe Louis in relief and reads “WORLD BOXING COUNCIL - LOUIS”. The right one features the image of Muhammad Ali in relief and reads “WORLD BOXING COUNCIL - ALI”. Witherspoon has signed the verso of the belt in silver marker with the added inscription, “My WBC Championship Belt”, rates a 9. The verso of the belt features the “CLETO REYES” manufacturers logo stamped into the leather along with “®HECHO EN MEXICO” and the serial number “10 HH 4”. The belt exhibits evidence of wear. While the belt does not match the belt given to Witherspoon in the ring after defeating Page, it did originate from the former Champion and was possibly given to him at a later date. The belt is in NM condition and is accompanied by a LOA from JSA.