Michael Spinks vs Buster Douglas

Prime vs prime Buster

 

The Buster who kod Tyson v Spinks who beat Holmes in their first fight? Think that s best version s of both. In this case, I've gotta go Buster. Jabs to good, he's stronger, the natural heavyweight. If Buster s got the mentality of Tokyo, then he's vicious in there and nothing Spinks could do would have much effect imo. He'd hammer Spinks, drop him around the 8th and stop him.

 

I'll go Buster, but partly because I didn't think Michael Spinks was much of a heavyweight (LOVE Michael at light heavy). Tokyo Buster would probably take longer than a prime Holmes to stop him...Larry might take seven or eight rounds, Buster 10.

Michael's wins at heavyweight were over shot (Holmes at the time), washed up (Cooney), and tomato can (Steffen something).

Just my opinion, and as mentioned I really loved the days of Spinks, Saad, Mustafa, Johnson!

 

Fan of Spinks myself at light heavy, kinda hoped he'd give Tyson a good fight back in June 88..But yes, I don't see him being effective at all against Buster here. On Douglas s worse day he was crap, on his best.. Well he s formidable.

 

The Douglas who fought Tyson would almost certainly win the one who fought Holyfield who get destroyed

 

I’ll be in the minority and go with Spinks via decision or late stoppage.. I’ve never bought into the whole “ Tokyo Douglas was invincible for one night only “ thing. He was a fringe heavyweight who pulled off a miracle one time. Spinks wasnt an ATG at heavyweight but he could go fifteen rounds , was fairly mobile, could punch a bit and had an awkward style that I doubt Douglas had the ring IQ to solve..

 

If we're talking Tokyo Douglas, then Buster knocks him out. Other versions of Douglas, Spinks beats UD.

 

Cooney when he fought Spinks was awful, an alcoholic and frequent cocaine user.

 

Fergy, very good assessment of this fight and the outcome. Good Post.

 

A very good fight, but if we are speaking of primes, Michael Spinks, who I consider an all time great Light Heavyweight Champion, would not be facing a worn IBF World Heavyweight Champion in Larry Holmes of 1985, just concerned on besting the undefeated record of Rocky Marciano, 49-0, 43 KO's. James Buster Douglas had just done the impossible, by stopping World Heavyweight Champion Iron Mike Tyson, in 1990. The natural heavyweight in this one, Buster Douglas would have the size, boxing skills in this one, as well as the personal motivation on his side. Douglas by TKO 9.

 

I think Cooney was originally a really good fighter. Yes, he ko'd older boxers, but they were past title-challengers and even a guy (Norton) who'd been champ less than a few years before (and given the contemporary, undisputed champ Holmes the toughest and greatest fight of his life). He could have beaten Coetzee, Berbick...I'd venture to guess Weaver as well.

Cooney was deservedly a top contender imo. It's just that Holmes at the time, even though he was just past his prime, was still SO good.

That fight wasn't just because Cooney was white, he had legitimate, impressive wins over competition that wasn't as lame as some thought after he fought Holmes. I should mention, more than a few boxing scribes picked Cooney to win by knockout...Sports Illustrated picked Cooney in 2.

 

Super cool post, Richard. I LOVED seeing Michael at his most devastating/knockout best at light heavyweight. Him, Saad, Dwight, Mustafa, Johnson...those guys were super entertaining and GREAT fighters imo. Spinks at heavy was a big yawn, and I was glad to see him get walloped by Mike.

 

Tough fight. Could go either way, but going on consistency, I pick Spinks by close UD. Awkward, and more used to the bigtime.