Knoxville’s Forgotten Champion: The Story of Big John Tate

Knoxville is a city built on sports from the Vols to Olympians to Hall-of-Famers. One world champion, however, has been lost to time. His name is Big John Tate, and he was Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World. This documentary is his story. More on Big John Tate, here: Subscribe to WBIR for exclusive content: WBIR Channel 10 in Knoxville, Tennessee produces award-winning, community-centered content “Straight From The Heart“ of East Tennessee. We strive to be good citizens, to do what is right, and to be fair and honest. We care. Follow WBIR on Social: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: 00:00 Intro 01:13 Big John’s Beginnings 03:29 Tate starts his amateur boxing career 04:17 Tate meets Ace Miller 04:52 Big John moves to Knoxville 05:52 The Hillbillies 07:20 Big John in the 1976 M