02.05.07 – 21 year old Werrington heavyweight Alex ‘El Toro’ Ibbs has been mixing it with former WBA World champion Tim Witherspoon. Witherspoon won his world title by defeating Tony Tubbs on points over 15 rounds in January 1986 and successfully defended it in July of the same year when he scored an 11th round TKO over Frank Bruno at Wembley. During his career Witherspoon racked up 55 wins from 69 contests and stopped his opponent in 38 of them..
Now aged 49 Witherspoon has spent a lot of time in the UK over recent years and has worked with a number of people in British boxing. Tim is currently preparing to make his comeback at Aston Villa Leisure Centre on 1st July.
Not only has Alex benefited from sparring with the former champion but has also received coaching and advice from Witherspoon.
“Just rubbing shoulders with Tim is great motivation for me,” said Alex afterwards. ”Sparring with him and being coached by him is like a dream come true for me. Tim has reached the highest level in boxing and what better opportunity could I get than to learn from somebody who’s already achieved my goals. Its an experience that I will never forget and one that I hope to repeat soon.”
“He might be nearly fifty but he still packs a hell of a punch and he has the experience to cause anyone problems. I think I held my own against him but I did realise afterwards that there is still a lot that I have to learn.”
“I’m busy preparing for my next fight in Stoke and I’m sure that what Tim’s taught me will go a long way towards helping me to get a second win under my belt. My fight is only two weeks away now and I am getting excited about fighting in front of my home crowd for the first time. I guarantee that I’ll put on a great show for them.”
Dewsbury debutant Zaheed Kahut has been secured as Ibbs’ second professional opponent when he turns out at Fenton Manor Sports Complex in Stoke on 12th May. Something of an unknown quantity, Kahut will be seeking to make an impression in his first contest; Ibbs will therefore need to guard against complacency if he is to avoid an upset.
Local favourites Jimmy Doherty, Danny Johnston, Imran Khan, Justin ‘Ritchie’ Jones and Aaron Thomas together with Chester’s Chris Goodwin make up the remainder of the home representation on a seven fight card. Tickets priced £25 and £45 are available from promoters Impact Boxing on 0845 156 7168 or at www.impactboxing.com