John Tate""Big John""

When it comes to the heavyweight division in boxing, there are few names that stand out as prominently as John Tate. Born on July 1, 1955, Tate made a lasting impact on the sport during his career. Standing at an impressive height of 193cm, or 6 feet 4 inches, with a reach of 80 inches or 203cm, Tate possessed the physical attributes necessary for success in the heavyweight division.

Tate's nickname may not be widely known, as he went by "None" during his time in the ring. However, what he lacked in flashy monikers, he more than made up for with his boxing skills. As an orthodox fighter, Tate utilized his height and reach to his advantage, often keeping his opponents at bay with his long jabs and straight punches.

One of Tate's most notable achievements came in March 1979 when he challenged legendary boxer Muhammad Ali for the WBA heavyweight title. The bout took place at The Omni in Atlanta, Georgia, and it was a highly anticipated matchup. Ali, already in the twilight of his career, was looking to defend his title against the up-and-coming Tate.

From the opening bell, it was clear that Tate was a force to be reckoned with. His quick footwork and powerful punches kept Ali on the defensive, unable to mount his usual offensive onslaught. Tate's size advantage also played a significant role, as he was able to keep Ali at a distance and avoid getting caught in close quarters.

As the fight progressed, Tate's confidence grew, and he continued to land clean shots on Ali. However, it was in the 15th round that Tate eventually earned his victory. A left hook from Tate connected with Ali's jaw, sending the champion crashing to the canvas. Ali tried to get back up, but the referee deemed him unable to continue, giving Tate the knockout victory and making him the new WBA heavyweight champion.

This victory catapulted Tate into the spotlight, and he became a household name in the boxing world. With his youth, size, and newly-won title, many believed that Tate had the potential to dominate the heavyweight division for years to come.

Unfortunately, Tate's reign as champion would be short-lived. In his first title defense against Mike Weaver in March 1980, Tate suffered a devastating loss. Weaver, known for his knockout power, caught Tate with a right hook in the 15th round, knocking him out and regaining the WBA heavyweight title.

While the loss to Weaver was a setback, Tate continued to fight in the heavyweight division, hoping to regain his former glory. However, he struggled to find the same success he had early in his career. Despite his talent and potential, Tate faced numerous challenges both inside and outside the ring.

Tragically, on April 9, 1998, Tate passed away at the age of 42 due to injuries sustained in a car accident. His untimely death shocked the boxing community, and many mourned the loss of a talented fighter who had left an indelible mark on the sport.

John Tate may not have had a long and dominant career like some of the other heavyweight champions, but his impact on the sport cannot be denied. With his towering height, impressive reach, and skillful boxing technique, Tate showed the world what he was capable of in the ring. Although his time as champion was short-lived, his legacy lives on among boxing enthusiasts and fans who remember him as a true heavyweight contender.