ANDERSON, TIM "DOC" HAND WRITTEN & SIGNED PRISON LETTER (2012)

HISTORY: Tim "Doc" Anderson (born 1958) was a professional heavyweight boxer whose career and life were defined by a tragic conflict with his promoter, Rick "Elvis" Parker. Once a promising athlete who played minor league baseball for the Chicago Cubs, Anderson is now most famous for his 1995 conviction for the murder of Parker.
Early Life and Education
Chicago Roots: Born in Chicago, Anderson grew up in a close-knit family with three siblings.
Athletic Prowess: He was a standout athlete from a young age, playing baseball and practicing martial arts. Despite suffering from Crohn’s disease, he excelled in high school sports.
"Doc" Nickname: He earned the nickname "Doc" after obtaining a degree in kinesiology and studying nutrition in college.
Boxing Career
Anderson transitioned from baseball to professional boxing in 1983 after being given an ultimatum by the Chicago Cubs.
Journeyman Status: Over a decade, he compiled a record of 27 wins, 16 losses, and 1 draw, with 13 knockouts.
High-Profile Bouts: He faced legendary heavyweights like George Foreman (1987) Larry Holmes (1991), losing both by knockout/technical knockout but earning respect for his durability.
Career Highlight: His victory over former title challenger Jimmy Young in 1988 is often cited as his best professional win.
The Gastineau Scandal and "Poisoning"
In 1992, Anderson was matched against NFL star Mark Gastineau. Promoter Rick Parker reportedly wanted Anderson to "dive" to preserve Gastineau's undefeated record.
First Fight: Anderson refused to fix the fight and soundly defeated Gastineau by decision.
The Rematch: During their December 1992 rematch, Anderson alleged he was poisoned before the fight. He described feeling dizzy and seeing "tracers" in the ring before being knocked out in the 6th round. He later suffered severe kidney and liver damage.
Slaying of Rick Parker
The poisoning incident destroyed Anderson's health and career. On April 28, 1995, Anderson met Parker at a hotel in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, to confront him.
Orlando Sentinel
The Incident: Anderson claimed that when he demanded to know what he had been poisoned with, Parker threatened the life of Anderson’s quadriplegic sister. Anderson then shot Parker eight times.
Sentence: Anderson was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Current Status
Anderson remains incarcerated. A "Free Tim 'Doc' Anderson" campaign has sought clemency for him, arguing that his actions were the result of extreme provocation and the corrupt nature of the boxing industry at the time. His story was featured in the Vice documentary series Dark Side of the Ring.

Offered here is an original, hand written and signed letter by Tim "Doc:" Anderson while he has been in prison. Includes the original mailing envelope.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is a two page, handwritten in ink letter on lined paper to boxing matchmaker Eric Bottjer. Anderson discusses Parker (the man he killed), a book he was thinking about writing and Mark Gastineau. Boldly signed "Tim "Doc" Anderson." Includes mailing envelope which was postmarked April 12, 2012. Includes original folds. Clean front and back. No tears. 8 1/2" x 11."