John Tate - 1970s Heavyweights

While “Big John” Tate lost just three times in 37 fights, as stated above, he lost his heavyweight title to Mike Weaver after holding it for less than a year when he beat Gerrie Coetzee by decision to take the belt on October 20, 1979. After losing to Weaver, Tate lost again in his next fight to Trevor Berbick getting knocked out again this time in round nine. He would not lose again until his final fight in 1988 a decision loss to Noel Quarless. Following his boxing career, sadly John Tate became a drug addict, was arrested and ended up having to panhandle for income. On April 9, 1998, John Tate died in a car crash, just 42 years old.