Thad Spencer - Revision history

John at 19:56, 14 May 2015

2015-05-14T19:56:10Z

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	<boxer>022181</boxer>		<boxer>022181</boxer>
	~~Promoter History:~~
	~~[http://boxrec.com/list_shows.php?human_id=414409&cat=promoter]~~


	'''Managers''': [[Sid Flaherty]], [[Willie Ketchum]]		'''Managers''': [[Sid Flaherty]], [[Willie Ketchum]]

Journeymen at 14:55, 14 May 2015

2015-05-14T14:55:27Z

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	Thad Spencer never became world heavyweight champion, but for six months in 1968, he was the Number 1 Heavyweight Contender in the World.		Thad Spencer never became world heavyweight champion, but for six months in 1968, he was the Number 1 Heavyweight Contender in the World.

			'''NEWS REPORT, Thad Spencer''' [http://www.bakersfieldcalifornian.com/sports/community/x1149424423/Ex-heavyweight-boxer-local-promoter-dies]


	He died December 13 2013, at the age of 70.		He died December 13 2013, at the age of 70.

Journeymen at 14:46, 14 May 2015

2015-05-14T14:46:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:46, 14 May 2015
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	<boxer>022181</boxer>		<boxer>022181</boxer>
			Promoter History:
			[http://boxrec.com/list_shows.php?human_id=414409&cat=promoter]


	'''Managers''': [[Sid Flaherty]], [[Willie Ketchum]]		'''Managers''': [[Sid Flaherty]], [[Willie Ketchum]]

Ric: updated

2013-12-20T17:07:11Z

updated

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:07, 20 December 2013
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	[[file:Spencer.Thad.jpg\|left\|~~Thad Spencer~~]]		[[file:Spencer.Thad.jpg\|left\|thumb\|280px]]
	<boxer>022181</boxer>		<boxer>022181</boxer>
	'''Managers''': [[Sid Flaherty]] ~~and~~ [[Willie Ketchum]]		'''Managers''': [[Sid Flaherty]], [[Willie Ketchum]]

	~~<br clear=all>~~
	== Biography ==		== Biography ==
			'''Thad Spencer''' was groomed by boxing experts as the next heavyweight champion of the world, following [[Muhammad Ali]].

	~~'''Thad~~ Spencer~~'''~~ was ~~being groomed by boxing experts as the next heavyweight champion~~ of ~~the world, following [[Muhammad Ali]]~~.		Spencer was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on March 28, 1943. His family moved to Portland when he was 3 months old. He came from a large family of five brothers and six sisters. Spencer attended to Jefferson High School in Portland.

	Spencer ~~went to Jefferson High School in Portland. He had 5 brothers and 5 sisters. He~~ started his amateur career as a middleweight. By age 15, Spencer was a sparring partner for heavyweight contender [[Eddie Machen]].		Spencer started his amateur career as a middleweight when his first cousin, Willie Richardson, introduced him to boxing at the age of 14, but he couldn't go to the gym where his cousin trained because it was for professionals only. He learned to box at the Knott Street Community Center in northeast Portland and won several [[Golden Gloves]] and championships in Oregon and Washington. By age 15, Spencer was a sparring partner for heavyweight contender [[Eddie Machen]].

	Spencer got married at 17, and decided to turn professional in 1960. His first manager was [[Sid Flaherty]]. After a few fights, Spencer went with his second manager [[Willie Ketchum]] and his ~~advisor~~ was lawyer Nate Cohen. Spencer became known for his lightning fast hands and feet.		Spencer got married at 17, and decided to turn professional in 1960. His first manager was [[Sid Flaherty]]. After a few fights, Spencer went with his second manager, [[Willie Ketchum]], and his adviser was lawyer Nate Cohen. Spencer became known for his lightning-fast hands and feet.

	A series of impressive victories over contenders [[Amos Lincoln]], [[Doug Jones]], and [[Billy Daniels]], landed Spencer in the heavyweight elimination tournament following [[Muhammad Ali]]'s problems with the United States draft board in 1967.		A series of impressive victories over contenders [[Amos Lincoln]], [[Doug Jones]], and [[Billy Daniels]] landed Spencer in the heavyweight elimination tournament following [[Muhammad Ali]]'s problems with the United States draft board in 1967. In August 1967 he met former [[WBA]] World Heavyweight Champion [[Ernie Terrell]] in the opening round of the tournament. Spencer shocked the boxing world with a one-sided 12 round decision over the favored Terrell. In the 2nd round, Spencer's lightning combinations even sent the 6 foot 6 inch Terrell to the canvas. Spencer became the toast of the boxing world. He was trained briefly by former World Heavyweight Champion [[Joe Louis]]. Louis picked Spencer, as did most experts, to win the [[WBA]] elimination tournament.

	Spencer divorced at 24, ~~and had 3~~ children: 2 sons and a daughter. ~~He then met former~~ [[~~WBA~~]] ~~World Heavyweight Champion~~ [[~~Ernie Terrell~~]] ~~in the opening round of the tournament~~. Spencer ~~shocked the boxing world with~~ a ~~one~~-~~sided 12 round decision over the~~ favorite ~~Terrell. In~~ the ~~2nd~~ round, Spencer's ~~lightning combinations even sent the 6 feet 6 inch Terrell~~ to ~~the canvas~~.		Spencer was rated Number 1 by the [[WBA]] and Number 2 in the world by the ''[[The Ring Magazine\|The Ring]]'' magazine. He was featured on the cover of the [[Ring Magazine: November 1967\|November 1967]] issue of ''The Ring''. (Spencer divorced in 1967, at age 24, with three children: two sons and a daughter.) During his training in early 1968 for his fight with [[Jerry Quarry]] in the semi-finals of the [[WBA]] Tournament, Spencer was arrested for a "driving problem." Spencer, a 6-to-4 favorite, was easily defeated by [[Jerry Quarry]], losing via TKO at 2:57 of the 12th and final round. Ketchum blamed Spencer's upset knockout loss to Quarry on a "lack of training and proper conditioning."

	Spencer ~~became the toast of the boxing world~~. ~~He was trained briefly by former World Heavyweight Champion [[Joe Louis]]~~, and ~~Louis picked Spencer~~, ~~as did most~~ experts~~, to win~~ the ~~[[WBA]] elimination tournament~~.		Spencer claimed he was then going to rededicate himself to his promising career. At 25, and rated 5th in the world, experts still believed he could capture the vacant title.

	Spencer ~~was rated number 1 by the [[WBA]] and number 2~~ in the ~~world by~~ the ''[[~~The Ring Magazine\|The Ring~~]]~~'' Magazine~~. ~~During his training for his fight with~~ [[~~Jerry Quarry~~]] in the ~~semi-finals of~~ the ~~[[WBA]] Tournament, Spencer~~ was ~~arrested~~ for ~~" A driving problem." Spencer~~ a 6-~~to-4 favorite~~, ~~was easily defeated~~ by ~~[[Jerry Quarry]]~~, ~~losing via TKO at 2:57 of~~ the ~~12th~~ round.		Spencer traveled to England in the Spring of 1968 to fight the Number 9 rated [[Eduardo Corletti]]. However, Corletti suffered a sprained ankle, and the Number 10 rated [[Leotis Martin]] came in as a substitute. Again, Spencer was the favorite, but in the very first round was decked for a 3-count. Things got worse, and by the 3rd round, Spencer had lost his speed. He rebounded in the 8th round to cut Martin's eye, but Martin came out in the 9th to knock out Spencer in yet another shocker.

	~~Ketchum blamed~~ Spencer's ~~upset knockout loss~~ to [[~~Jerry Quarry~~]] ~~on "A lack of training~~ and ~~proper conditioning~~." Spencer ~~claimed he was now going to rededicate himself~~ to his ~~promising career. At 25~~, and ~~rated 5th in~~ the world, ~~experts still believed~~ he ~~could capture the vacant title~~.		Spencer tumbled to 8th in the world. His backers claimed a party-lifestyle was ruining Spencer's promising ring career. Spencer brushed aside his critics and signed to fight [[Billy Walker]] and [[Mac Foster]]. Against Walker, Spencer came out flat-footed and decided to slug it out with a fighter noted for slugging. It proved his downfall, and by the 6th round, the fight was halted. A dejected [[Willie Ketchum]] told the world press: "What's the use, it's not there anymore. Fast living has caught up with Thad, and he knows it now."

	Spencer ~~traveled~~ to ~~England to fight number 9 rated~~ [[~~Eduardo Corletti~~]]. ~~However, Corletti suffered~~ a ~~sprained ankle,~~ and ~~number 10 rated [[Leotis Martin]] came in as~~ a ~~substitue~~. Again, Spencer ~~was the favorite~~, ~~but in the very first round~~ was ~~decked for~~ a ~~3 count. Things got worse, and by~~ the ~~3rd round, Spencer had lost his speed. He rebounded~~ in the ~~8th~~ round ~~to cut Martin's eye, but Martin came out in the 9th to knockout Spencer in yet another shocker~~.		Spencer went on to meet undefeated former marine [[Mac Foster]], who was 17-0 with 17 knockouts. Thad Spencer still had a name and set a Fresno record, when 5,100 fans paid $29,718 to see his bout with Foster on May 20, 1969. Again, Spencer decided to slug it out, and after being rocked several times, he was knocked out by a left hook to the temple in the first round.

	~~Spencer now tumbled~~ to ~~8th in the world. His backers claimed a party-lifestyle was ruining~~ Spencer's ~~promising ring career~~. Spencer ~~brushed aside his critics~~ and ~~signed~~ to ~~fight~~ [[~~Billy Walker~~]] and [[~~Mac Foster~~]].		The loss to Foster ended Thad Spencer's days in big-time boxing. Manager Ketchum left him, and Spencer found himself traveling about the U.S. and South America, picking up fights where he could. He dropped decisions to prospect [[Tony Doyle]], and was destroyed in two rounds by heavyweight hope [[Jose Luis Garcia]] in October 1970, who was then managed by Spencer's old manager, Willie Ketchum.

	~~Against Walker,~~ Spencer ~~came out flat~~-~~footed and decided~~ to ~~slug it out with a fighter noted for slugging. It proved his downfall,~~ and ~~by the 6th round, the fight was halted. A dejected~~ [[~~Willie Ketchum~~]] ~~told the world press, " What's the use, it's not there anymore. Fast living has caught up with Thad, and he knows it now~~."		Spencer ended his career losing 10-round nods to future heavyweight challenger [[Ron Stander]] and [[Tony Doyle]] in 1971.

	Spencer went on to meet undefeated former marine [[Mac Foster]] who was 17-0, 17 knockouts. Thad Spencer still had a name, and set a Fresno record, when 5,100 fans paid $29,718 to see his bout with Foster. Again, Spencer decided to slug it out, and after being rocked several times, he was knocked out by a left hook to the temple in the first round.		In the mid 1970s, any hopes Spencer had of returning to the ring were ended when he was twice wounded in separate shootings. He survived, but disappeared from the fight scene. He reappeared at a [[Muhammad Ali]] get-together, and later went into promoting in California and Vancouver, Washington in the 1980s and 1990s.

	The loss to Foster, ended Thad Spencer's days in big-time boxing. Ketchum had left him, and Spencer found himself traveling about the U.S. and South America, picking up fights where he could. He dropped decisions to prospect [[Tony Doyle]], and was destroyed in 2 rounds by heavyweight hope [[Jose Luis Garcia]], who was now managed by Spencer's old manager, [[Willie Ketchum]].

	~~Spencer ended his career losing a 10 round nod to future heavyweight challenger [[Ron Stander]].~~

	In the mid 1970s, any hopes Spencer had of returning to the ring were ended when he was twice wounded in ~~seperate~~ shootings. He survived, but disappeared from the fight scene. He reappeared at a [[Muhammad Ali]] get-together, and later went into promoting in California and Vancouver, Washington in the 1980s and 1990s.

	Thad Spencer never became world heavyweight champion, but for six months in 1968, he was the Number 1 Heavyweight Contender in the World.		Thad Spencer never became world heavyweight champion, but for six months in 1968, he was the Number 1 Heavyweight Contender in the World.

			He died December 13 2013, at the age of 70.
	==Sources==		==Sources==

	*''Ring Magazine'', September 1968, page 53: MARTIN WHIPS SPENCER AS BRITISH ALIEN RULE CRACKS, by [[Johnny Sharpe]].		*''Ring Magazine'', September 1968, page 53: MARTIN WHIPS SPENCER AS BRITISH ALIEN RULE CRACKS, by [[Johnny Sharpe]].

	*''Ring Magazine'', February 1969, page 53: SPENCER AT END OF LINE? KO BY WALKER HINTS FINISH, by [[Johnny Sharpe]].		*''Ring Magazine'', February 1969, page 53: SPENCER AT END OF LINE? KO BY WALKER HINTS FINISH, by [[Johnny Sharpe]].

	*''Ring Magazine'', August 1969, page 51: FAREWELL, THAD SPENCER! HE'S KO'D IN ONE BY MAC FOSTER, by [[Don Fraser]].		*''Ring Magazine'', August 1969, page 51: FAREWELL, THAD SPENCER! HE'S KO'D IN ONE BY MAC FOSTER, by [[Don Fraser]].
			*''Portland Observer'' Obituary: [http://portlandobserver.com/news/2013/dec/18/portland-boxer-thad-spencer-dies-age-70/]

	~~[[Category~~:~~Promoters\|~~Spencer, Thad]]		{{DEFAULTSORT:Spencer, Thad}}
	[[Category:African American Boxers~~\|Spencer, Thad~~]]		[[Category:African American Boxers]]
	[[Category:California State Champions\|Spencer, Thad]]		[[Category:Promoters]]
			[[Category:California State Champions]]
			[[Category:2013 Deaths\|Spencer, Thad]]

Journeymen: category

2010-06-29T05:34:46Z

Rowdytimothy at 02:21, 1 December 2007

2007-12-01T02:21:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:21, 1 December 2007
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	Spencer became the toast of the boxing world. He was trained briefly by former World Heavyweight Champion [[Joe Louis]], and Louis picked Spencer, as did most experts, to win the [[WBA]] elimination tournament.		Spencer became the toast of the boxing world. He was trained briefly by former World Heavyweight Champion [[Joe Louis]], and Louis picked Spencer, as did most experts, to win the [[WBA]] elimination tournament.

	Spencer was rated number 1 by the [[WBA]] and number 2 in the world by the [[Ring Magazine]]. During his training for his fight with [[Jerry Quarry]] in the semi-finals of the [[WBA]] Tournament, Spencer was arrested for " A driving problem." Spencer a 6-to-4 favorite, was easily defeated by [[Jerry Quarry]], losing via TKO at 2:57 of the 12th round.		Spencer was rated number 1 by the [[WBA]] and number 2 in the world by the ''[[The Ring Magazine\|The Ring]]'' Magazine. During his training for his fight with [[Jerry Quarry]] in the semi-finals of the [[WBA]] Tournament, Spencer was arrested for " A driving problem." Spencer a 6-to-4 favorite, was easily defeated by [[Jerry Quarry]], losing via TKO at 2:57 of the 12th round.

	Ketchum blamed Spencer's upset knockout loss to [[Jerry Quarry]] on "A lack of training and proper conditioning." Spencer claimed he was now going to rededicate himself to his promising career. At 25, and rated 5th in the world, experts still believed he could capture the vacant title.		Ketchum blamed Spencer's upset knockout loss to [[Jerry Quarry]] on "A lack of training and proper conditioning." Spencer claimed he was now going to rededicate himself to his promising career. At 25, and rated 5th in the world, experts still believed he could capture the vacant title.

Ric: image changed

2006-11-15T07:29:41Z

image changed

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:29, 15 November 2006
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	<boxer>022181</boxer>		<boxer>022181</boxer>
	'''Managers''': [[Sid Flaherty]] and [[Willie Ketchum]]		'''Managers''': [[Sid Flaherty]] and [[Willie Ketchum]]

			<br clear=all>
	== Biography ==		== Biography ==

Legwarmers1980: /* Biography */

2006-11-10T06:30:48Z

Biography

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:30, 10 November 2006
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	== Biography ==		== Biography ==

	Thad Spencer was being groomed by boxing experts as the next heavyweight champion of the world, following [[Muhammad Ali]].		'''Thad Spencer''' was being groomed by boxing experts as the next heavyweight champion of the world, following [[Muhammad Ali]].

	Spencer went to Jefferson High School in Portland. He had 5 brothers and 5 sisters. He started his amateur career as a middleweight. By age 15, Spencer was a sparring partner for heavyweight contender [[Eddie Machen]].		Spencer went to Jefferson High School in Portland. He had 5 brothers and 5 sisters. He started his amateur career as a middleweight. By age 15, Spencer was a sparring partner for heavyweight contender [[Eddie Machen]].

Matt at 20:14, 23 October 2006

2006-10-23T20:14:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:14, 23 October 2006
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	[[file:67Nov.jpg\|left\|Nov 1967 cover]]		[[file:67Nov.jpg\|left\|Nov 1967 cover]]
	<boxer>022181</boxer>		<boxer>022181</boxer>
			'''Managers''': [[Sid Flaherty]] and [[Willie Ketchum]]

	== Biography ==		== Biography ==
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	[[Category:Promoters\|Spencer, Thad]]		[[Category:Promoters\|Spencer, Thad]]
			[[Category:African American Boxers\|Spencer, Thad]]

Matt: proofread

2006-10-23T00:55:05Z

proofread

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:34, 29 June 2010
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	[[Category:Promoters\|Spencer, Thad]]		[[Category:Promoters\|Spencer, Thad]]
	[[Category:African American Boxers\|Spencer, Thad]]		[[Category:African American Boxers\|Spencer, Thad]]
			[[Category:California State Champions\|Spencer, Thad]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:55, 23 October 2006
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	[[file:67Nov.jpg\|left\|Nov 1967 cover]]		[[file:67Nov.jpg\|left\|Nov 1967 cover]]
	<boxer>022181</boxer>		<boxer>022181</boxer>
	* In the 1990s he promoted boxing shows in Vancouver, WA, USA

	==Biography==
			== Biography ==

	Thad Spencer was being groomed by boxing experts as the next heavyweight champion of the world, following [[Muhammad Ali]].		Thad Spencer was being groomed by boxing experts as the next heavyweight champion of the world, following [[Muhammad Ali]].
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	Spencer got married at 17, and decided to turn professional in 1960. His first manager was [[Sid Flaherty]]. After a few fights, Spencer went with his second manager [[Willie Ketchum]] and his advisor was lawyer Nate Cohen. Spencer became known for his lightning fast hands and feet.		Spencer got married at 17, and decided to turn professional in 1960. His first manager was [[Sid Flaherty]]. After a few fights, Spencer went with his second manager [[Willie Ketchum]] and his advisor was lawyer Nate Cohen. Spencer became known for his lightning fast hands and feet.

	A series of impressive victories over contenders [[Amos ~~(Big Train)~~ Lincoln]], [[Doug Jones]], and [[Billy Daniels]], landed Spencer in the heavyweight elimination tournament following [[Muhammad Ali]]'s problems with the United States ~~Draftboard~~ in 1967.		A series of impressive victories over contenders [[Amos Lincoln]], [[Doug Jones]], and [[Billy Daniels]], landed Spencer in the heavyweight elimination tournament following [[Muhammad Ali]]'s problems with the United States draft board in 1967.


	Spencer divorced at 24, and had 3 children: 2 sons and a daughter. He then met former [[WBA]] World Heavyweight Champion [[Ernie Terrell]] in the opening round of the tournament. Spencer shocked the boxing world with a one-sided 12 round decision over the favorite Terrell. In the 2nd round, Spencer's lightning combinations even sent the 6 feet 6 inch. Terrell to the canvas.		Spencer divorced at 24, and had 3 children: 2 sons and a daughter. He then met former [[WBA]] World Heavyweight Champion [[Ernie Terrell]] in the opening round of the tournament. Spencer shocked the boxing world with a one-sided 12 round decision over the favorite Terrell. In the 2nd round, Spencer's lightning combinations even sent the 6 feet 6 inch Terrell to the canvas.

	Spencer became the toast of the boxing world. He was trained briefly by former World Heavyweight Champion [[Joe Louis]], and Louis picked Spencer, as did most experts, to win the [[WBA]] elimination tournament.		Spencer became the toast of the boxing world. He was trained briefly by former World Heavyweight Champion [[Joe Louis]], and Louis picked Spencer, as did most experts, to win the [[WBA]] elimination tournament.

	Spencer was rated number 1 by the [[WBA]] and number 2 in the world by the [[Ring Magazine]]. During his training for his fight with [[Jerry Quarry]] in the semi-finals of the [[WBA]] Tournament, Spencer was arrested for " A driving problem." ~~Some experts wondered if~~ Spencer~~, now~~ a ~~single man, was more interested in the "La Dolce Vida", "The Good Life", then training.~~		Spencer was rated number 1 by the [[WBA]] and number 2 in the world by the [[Ring Magazine]]. During his training for his fight with [[Jerry Quarry]] in the semi-finals of the [[WBA]] Tournament, Spencer was arrested for " A driving problem." Spencer a 6-to-4 favorite, was easily defeated by [[Jerry Quarry]], losing via TKO at 2:57 of the 12th round.

	~~When the~~ 6-4 ~~favored Spencer~~ was ~~utterly destroyed~~ by [[Jerry Quarry]], losing ~~by technical knockout~~ at 2:57 of the 12th round~~, the experts all rubbed their heads and said, "What Happened To Thad Spencer?"~~


	Ketchum blamed Spencer's upset knockout loss to [[Jerry Quarry]] on "A lack of training and proper conditioning." Spencer claimed he was now going to rededicate himself to his promising career. At 25, and rated 5th in the world, experts still believed he could capture the vacant title.		Ketchum blamed Spencer's upset knockout loss to [[Jerry Quarry]] on "A lack of training and proper conditioning." Spencer claimed he was now going to rededicate himself to his promising career. At 25, and rated 5th in the world, experts still believed he could capture the vacant title.
Line 27:		Line 23:
	Spencer traveled to England to fight number 9 rated [[Eduardo Corletti]]. However, Corletti suffered a sprained ankle, and number 10 rated [[Leotis Martin]] came in as a substitue. Again, Spencer was the favorite, but in the very first round was decked for a 3 count. Things got worse, and by the 3rd round, Spencer had lost his speed. He rebounded in the 8th round to cut Martin's eye, but Martin came out in the 9th to knockout Spencer in yet another shocker.		Spencer traveled to England to fight number 9 rated [[Eduardo Corletti]]. However, Corletti suffered a sprained ankle, and number 10 rated [[Leotis Martin]] came in as a substitue. Again, Spencer was the favorite, but in the very first round was decked for a 3 count. Things got worse, and by the 3rd round, Spencer had lost his speed. He rebounded in the 8th round to cut Martin's eye, but Martin came out in the 9th to knockout Spencer in yet another shocker.

	Spencer now ~~thumbled~~ to 8th in the world. His backers claimed a party-lifestyle was ruining Spencer's promising ring career. Spencer brushed aside his critics and signed to fight ~~top rated~~ [[Billy Walker]] and [[Mac Foster]].		Spencer now tumbled to 8th in the world. His backers claimed a party-lifestyle was ruining Spencer's promising ring career. Spencer brushed aside his critics and signed to fight [[Billy Walker]] and [[Mac Foster]].

	Against Walker, Spencer came out flat-footed and decided to slug it out with a fighter noted for slugging. It proved his downfall, and by the 6th round, the fight was halted. A dejected [[Willie Ketchum]] told the world press, " What's the use, it's not there anymore. Fast living has caught up with Thad, and he knows it now."		Against Walker, Spencer came out flat-footed and decided to slug it out with a fighter noted for slugging. It proved his downfall, and by the 6th round, the fight was halted. A dejected [[Willie Ketchum]] told the world press, " What's the use, it's not there anymore. Fast living has caught up with Thad, and he knows it now."

	~~But,~~ Spencer ~~knew no such thing. He~~ went on to meet undefeated former marine [[Mac Foster]] who was 17-0, 17 knockouts. Thad Spencer still had a name, and set a Fresno record, when 5,100 fans paid $29,718 to see his bout with Foster. Again, Spencer decided to slug it out, and after being rocked several times, he was knocked out by a left hook to the temple in the first round.		Spencer went on to meet undefeated former marine [[Mac Foster]] who was 17-0, 17 knockouts. Thad Spencer still had a name, and set a Fresno record, when 5,100 fans paid $29,718 to see his bout with Foster. Again, Spencer decided to slug it out, and after being rocked several times, he was knocked out by a left hook to the temple in the first round.

	The loss to Foster, ended Thad Spencer's days in big-time boxing. Ketchum had left him, and Spencer found himself traveling about the U.S. and South America, picking up fights where he could. He dropped decisions to prospect [[Tony Doyle]], and was destroyed in ~~2rds~~ by heavyweight hope [[Jose Luis Garcia]], who ~~ironically~~ was now managed by Spencer's old manager, [[Willie Ketchum]].		The loss to Foster, ended Thad Spencer's days in big-time boxing. Ketchum had left him, and Spencer found himself traveling about the U.S. and South America, picking up fights where he could. He dropped decisions to prospect [[Tony Doyle]], and was destroyed in 2 rounds by heavyweight hope [[Jose Luis Garcia]], who was now managed by Spencer's old manager, [[Willie Ketchum]].

	Spencer ended his career losing a 10 round nod to future heavyweight challenger [[Ron Stander]].		Spencer ended his career losing a 10 round nod to future heavyweight challenger [[Ron Stander]].

	In the mid 1970s, any hopes Spencer had of returning to the ring were ended when he was twice wounded in seperate shootings. He survived, but disappeared from the fight scene. He reappeared at a [[Muhammad Ali]] get-together, and later went into promoting.		In the mid 1970s, any hopes Spencer had of returning to the ring were ended when he was twice wounded in seperate shootings. He survived, but disappeared from the fight scene. He reappeared at a [[Muhammad Ali]] get-together, and later went into promoting in California and Vancouver, Washington in the 1980s and 1990s.

	Thad Spencer never became world heavyweight champion, but for 6 months in 1968, he was the Number 1 Heavyweight Contender in the World~~, and that's something to write home about~~.		Thad Spencer never became world heavyweight champion, but for six months in 1968, he was the Number 1 Heavyweight Contender in the World.

	==Sources==		==Sources==