Former Boxing Champ Dies In Crash

John Tate, who held the World Boxing Association heavyweight title briefly from 1979-80, reportedly died early this morning when his pickup truck struck a telephone pole.

ESPN is reporting that Tate, who was traveling on I-40 in Knoxville with two other people, lost control of his 1989 Ford pickup truck, which struck a telephone pole and flipped over. Two passengers traveling with Tate were injured.

The Knoxville City Police Department confirmed there was a fatality in the one-vehicle accident, but would not reveal the identity of the victim pending notification of next of kin.

Tate won the WBA title on Oct., 20, 1979, with a 15-round decision over Gerrie Coetzee of South Africa. Tate, however, failed to make a successful defense on March 31, 1980, as he was knocked out by Mike Weaver in the 15th round.

It is considered to be one of the most stunning turnarounds in heavyweight boxing history since Tate was winning the fight before he was floored by Weaver.

A 1976 bronze medalist at the Olympics in the super heavyweight division, Tate compiled a professional record of 34-3 with 23 knockouts. He was 43 years old.

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