By James Slater: When last seen in the ring, “The Gentleman” Chazz Witherspoon was losing his unbeaten record to fellow heavyweight up-and-comer, Chris Arreola. Decked twice in the third round, Witherspoon was in serious trouble. But, as we know, the 26-year-old from Philly was (likely) saved from a KO when he was disqualified due to his corner-men entering the ring right at the end of the round..
Now, according to BoxRec.com, Witherspoon, 23-1(15) is scheduled to get back in the ring this coming November 15th. Set to box on the under-card of the intriguing Jermain Taylor Vs. Jeff Lacy super-middleweight title fight eliminator, the 6’4″ Witherspoon will face an opponent yet to be named. How will he cope fighting so quickly after his first career loss? Chazz claimed, and still claims, the loss to Arreola was unfair. Saying he’d have been able to shake off the cobwebs and come back in the 4th round had he been given the chance, the likeable Witherspoon also insists he is as hungry as ever.
Whether or not he would have avoided being stopped cleanly by “The Nightmare” is something we will never know. But as soon as Chazz fights again we will find out if he has been affected mentally by his sole career setback. Witherspoon is certainly young enough to come again at age 26. But many fans, who can be extremely critical at times, and on many occasions rightly so, will no doubt feel no excitement about seeing Witherspoon again. His one loss having exposed him in many eyes, Chazz has it all to prove, that’s for sure.
A slow starter, Witherspoon had looked something of a plodder in his pre-Arreola performances. Having seen this, and the way Arreola took advantage of his lack of speed and pace, future opponents will try and do what Arreola did and take the fight to Witherspoon from the first bell. As such, there could be some tough fights ahead of the cousin of former world champ Tim Witherspoon as he attempts to get himself back into the heavyweight picture. Maybe, a few good wins from now, the Arreola loss will become a distant memory. Or maybe it will serve to haunt Chazz each and every time he fights. If he’s serious about his career and getting it back on track we will find out which scenario will be the case soon enough.
One defeat does not end a fighter. And while the 3rd round DQ he suffered back in June hurt Witherspoon’s progress, it may not have ruined it altogether.