John Tate (boxer)

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Men's Boxing
Olympic medal record
Bronze	1976 Montreal	Heavyweight

John Tate (born January 29, 1955 in Marion, Arkansas – died April 9, 1998 in Knoxville, Tennessee) was an American prizefighter and Olympian boxer, who briefly held the World Boxing Association heavyweight title from 1979 to 1980.

"Big John" Tate captured a bronze medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, and would go on to capture the WBA title on October 20, 1979 by defeating Gerrie Coetzee by decision, succeeding Muhammad Ali, who had relinquished the title that summer. Tate's reign would be brief, however, as he would lose the title to Mike Weaver just five months later. Tate was leading on all scorecards going into the last round when Weaver landed one mighty punch to the chin that left the champion unconscious on the canvas for several minutes.

Tate tried to make a comeback on June 20, 1980 against up and coming Trevor Berbick. This was on the undercard of the legendary fight between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran. However, the former champion was easily defeated by Berbick. He was knocked out by a punch that caught him on the back of the head and left him unconscious. Tate became the object of ridicule after these humiliating losses even in his hometown. Although he fought until 1988, he was never again taken seriously as a challenger.

Tate's life after his championship reign was brief and troubled, suffering from a cocaine addiction during the 1980s, being convicted on petty theft and assault charges, serving time in prison, and at times panhandling on the streets of Knoxville, Tennessee.

On April 9, 1998, Tate would die of injuries sustained following a one-car automobile accident. His career record was 34-3, with 23 wins by knockout.