What if Spinks moved up to the heavies and fought Berbick or Thomas for the title rather than Holmes? How would those fights go and would you consider it cheating in a way or taking the easy way out by not fighting Holmes?
I think back then in 85 they would have been seen as tougher fights than Holmes, especially Thomas.Sure Holmes was still thought of as the legitimate champ but he had clearly been on the slide for a couple of years and was looking to carefully pick and choose his opponents on his way to matching Marcianos record which was how Spinks got the shot. Spinks knew this which is why he targeted Holmes as well. He could have targeted the WBC or WBA holders first and then Holmes but I think he knew he would have been taking a big risk meeting the likes of Thomas, Berbick, Witherspoon and Tubbs first.
Spinks could outsmart Berbick. Berbick's qualities were that he was fairly skilled, strong and tough. But he wasn't the smartest fighter, he never fought smart. See the Tyson fight as an example. I honestly think that Thomas would knock him out mid to late in the fight. He had decent power and his powerful jab would be constantly in Michael's face.
You don't see Spinks countering the jab with rights and combinations of punches? Come to think of it, Thomas/Spinks could have turned out to be interesting I think that Spinks style would make Berbick look inept. Like he was tangled in a spider web.
I think Thomas stops spinks in a fight that shows the warrior in both men. Spinks was never severely tested in my eyes at heavy. Holmes never really got going in the first fight and the second ft should have been Larry's regaining the belt. Cooney was to long out of the ring and Tangstad was no test. So I see a great fight with both men been caught and rocked but Thomas dropping spinks heavily in the 9 th. Berbick could be awkward and good on his better days. If it's a better day he out muscles and rough s spinks up. Michael was a tough guy to make no mistake, but Berbick had experience at the top level of heavy s, so I have Berbick grinding out a unanimous decision.
Berbick was a big strong bloke quite tough but thick as two short planks I see spinks outboxing and out thinking him for a points win .Pinky would be tricky at his best I.see him winning on points but it could go the other way.A fight for the connoisseur.
Of course Spinks would and could counter the jab, but I think Thomas will land the jab quite a few times and break Spinks down. His jab looked so powerful, probably one of the only times in his prime that I Tyson's head snap back.
Berbick winning a UD over Spinks? You sure you don't mean Leon? I just don't see Berbick with the skill or speed to outbox Michael Spinks over 15 rounds. I think Spinks would be very competitive vs Thomas, but I probably lean towards Spinks to get the decision. He seemed like the overall skilled and smarter fighter.
Thomas by late TKO or UD. Berbick? as crude as a drunken sailor but he was strong, he'd have to smother a weaker Spinks and maul him. Spinks by decision
I think the Thomas jab would take him to a decision. I think an on song Berbick would also have a reasonable chance. He would have to fight Spinks like he did the young Greg Page, applying constant pressure, attacking the body and keeping up a consistent workrate.