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Sports

Local Pro Boxer Fights Childhood Obesity One Punch At A Time

Tim Witherspoon Jr. talks about obesity, self-defense and promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Professional boxer Tim Witherspoon Jr. suffered a shoulder injury nearly four month ago while throwing a left hook during a fight. The damage to the shoulder required surgery, and since then Witherspoon has been in rehab. With the extra downtime, Witherspoon decided to focus his energy elsewhere.

Since he is taking a break to recooperate before getting back in the ring, the 2004 Golden Gloves Champion decided to get his personal training certification and now teaches classes and individual sessions at Tenth Round Boxing in Fairless Hills.

“I wanted to show everyone that there’s a place in boxing for them because it gets a bad name,” Witherspoon said.

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Child obesity, and obesity in general, has become a huge problem in the United States. About 25 percent of children and teenagers are obese. Many school districts have banned soda, junk food and candy from vending machines. It’s even prompted First Lady Michelle Obama to speak out. Witherspoon said he believes that boxing is the perfect solution to staying in shape.

“Obesity is a big problem,” Witherspoon said. “Boxing is something that’s interesting. It’s not just running on a treadmill. It’s not just lifting a weight here, lifting a weight there. You’re learning a skill, and losing weight while you’re doing it. It’s a good workout.”

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Witherspoon added, “Even if you never get punched, or hit a heavy bag, you can still lose weight in boxing. That’s what I want to portray to people.”

He said he not only wants to promote a healthy lifestyle, but he wants to teach self-defense. He mentioned the woman in New Hope who was attacked a few weeks ago while walking down the street.

“Boxing is a good way to defend yourself, and condition yourself for that situation,” Witherspoon said.

As for Witherspoon's career, he turned pro in 2005. His record is 6-1-1. Witherspoon is the son of two-time Heavyweight Champion Tim Witherspoon, who once sparred with boxing great Muhammad Ali. Tim Witherspoon Sr. is also his trainer.

Although there’s a huge shadow to follow, Witherspoon said he is confident that he can live up to the Witherspoon name.

“I can fight,” Witherspoon said. “If I had doubt in my own ability then I would have that pressure. I feel like my skills are just as good.”

“I want to make my own name. I might be Tim Witherspoon, but I’m Tim Witherspoon Jr.," he said. 

He is slated for a November or December return to the ring, but he said his personal training days have just begun.

“When I get back to fighting, this isn’t going to end. This is something that makes me happy. I see people coming in and they’re changing every day, every week. You don’t get that working at a desk job. I get the opportunity to change people’s lives,” Witherspoon said.

He has two children, including 4-year-old son, Tim Witherspoon III. He hopes that he can follow in his footsteps.

“I’ve already started training him,” Witherspoon said.

For more information on Witherspoon's personal training class schedule check out his Facebook page or reach him via e-mail.

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