A lot of folks don't remember this but Michael fought at 165 pounds in the 76' Olympics while Tyson weighed 200 pounds as a 15 year kid. Prime for prime, the fight never happens as both were separated by two weight classes.
I still can't believe there is a segment of fans who wish to say that Spinks was only a puffed up light heavyweight, washed up and past his prime when he fought Mike, and Tyson’s utter destruction of him was not noteworthy. The great Eddie Futch prepared spinks physically for the fight. The thing is, he was absolutely frightened, so i see a same result. The Real question that should be asked is "How would an "Unafraid" Spinks have fared against peak tyson".
An unafraid Spink s? He comes out to meet Tyson mid ring. Showing no fear he throws the Spinks Jinx at the incoming bull. Tyson dips down, the punch goes wide and Mike comes up with a screwball of a right. The shot connects with Spinks chin and he goes down fast and hard. He's absolutely unable to rise. Tyson by Ko - 52 second s.
I think Spinks was still good, if not prime, when he faced Tyson. Mike should get credit for what he did. But Spinks had been better at lighter weights. I think that's also true.
Well a "Prime" Michael Spinks would still have to gain wait to be able to fight Tyson. So he would have bulk up to 201 pounds to fight Mike. Anyway Spinks lost so quickly because he was so afraid to be in the ring with Tyson. Unless younger Spinks was more brave he would get stopped just as quick.
Tyson should absolutely get credit for beating Spinks but Spinks was far from prime. His knees were completely shot at that point and he was very inactive. With that said, I still think Spinks losses to Tyson even if he was the version that beat Holmes. He simply wasn't strong enough at heavyweight to deal with the power and speed of Tyson and nobody ever outboxed Tyson. He was beaten by being pushed back by physically strong heavyweights like Holyfield and Douglas. Spinks was not that type of guy.
This is a borderline banworthy thread. Seriously, even the 90's version of Tyson likely knocks Spinks out within 3 rounds tops.
