Spinks had way of rising to a fearful challenge (at 175lbs), so I take him to avoid Foster's bombs, have enough power himself to compete with Foster for 10 rounds, and then to use his speed and unorthadox-ness to edge the championship rounds and win a close by unanimous decision. Spinks WU15 (9-6)
I give Spinks the edge because I think he was more talented overall, although Bob had some really nice, crafty boxing skills, nice jab and timing, good snappy punches. But Spinks was special, could fight inside and out, good speed, nice pop at light heavy, good condition, and that intangible ability to win no matter what. Let's also face it, the fact that he beat Holmes (albeit past his prime Holmes) reflects quite favorably upon him, whereas Foster never did well with heavies.
IMO Spink's legacy grew after the two Holmes bouts. Top 5 LHW all-time. That could be the case. Best LHW all-time? No way.
Love them both but Michael was the more versatile guy. He is just behind the Cincinnati Cobra for my number one all time lightheavyweight. I have stopping Foster late.
I'll be the voice of dissent and vote for Foster. In the fights where he was 'On' he's one of the most impressive fighters to watch of all time. At his best he looked so good that he had entire fights that looked like one long highlight clip. He's easily one of the greatest knockout machines ever, but on top of that he rounded out his arsenal with good head movement, an ability to dictate range and tempo against skilled opponents, he had shoulder feints and lateral movement, and at 175 his durability wasn't an issue. Spinks is tall timber but I just think Foster gets it done. The question is: do we weigh what happened at heavyweight or not. It's hard not to let that color things, given that Spinks toppled Holmes, while Foster lost badly to Doug Jones, Frazier, and Ali. I have to wonder how Foster would have done with the aid of an S&C guru, and if he'd devoted himself to heavyweight, instead of treating it like a diversion, sort of like a big city mayor like Tom Bradley running for governor out of boredom with his current.
I'll go with you, and take Bob. He had a razor jab ,Foster is a notch above Qawi and I think he gets to Spinks at 175
Who do you have as the top 5 at LHW then if no Spinks as #1, Foster is right there, so definitely both top 3 and for sure both Top 5, but i would take Spinks over anyone, even Gibbons.
