BoxRec

15 rounds.

Assuming each guy's in his prime and in peak physical condition, then Dokes wins a hard fought decision.

I'm not talking about the version of Dokes which was not well conditioned and struggling with cocaine. Under those conditions, Dokes probably gets beaten, and maybe even KO'd, by Witherspoon.

Interesting match-up, given that both guys had the ability to hold pieces of the world title belt, potentially for a long time too. I've often heard it said that Dokes was the third most talented heavyweight of the 1980s, right behind Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson.

But, as everyone knows, both Dokes and Witherspoon sold themselves short while at the peak of the athletic careers.

Dokes by MD or SD.

Could go either way. Both had ability but were inconsistent. One or both could fight a great fight or a lackadaisical fight. Could be really fun or boring to watch.

Ambling Alp II wrote: ↑19 Oct 2023, 10:48 Could go either way. Both had ability but were inconsistent. One or both could fight a great fight or a lackadaisical fight. Could be really fun or boring to watch.

Sadly both had the talent to be great heavyweights.
Neither one of them had the discipline to achieve more than belt keeper status.
2 more of the what ifs

love me some mike dokes, contender for fastest ever hands at hw outside ali. too bad about being a druggie

Dokes, probably by majority decision. Mega tough and probably a slight bit more talented. A slight.

Witherspoon and Dokes would have a tough fight, but I choose Witherspoon to take a decision as his awkward Philly Shell style would give Dokes problems. Dokes would have his moment landing quick jabs and combinations in the early rounds, but Witherspoon would jab and pound him on the body, nail Dokes' chin with big overhand rights from the mid to later rounds to take a decision if both men were in their prime.