I’m thinking they could probably be: - Trevor Berbick - mike became youngest title holder. - Michael spinks - emphatic win over a linear champ - Tony Tucker - good win over an undefeated big man in his prime.
I was far too young for this era, but was Tyrell Biggs more hyped than Tony Tucker at the time ? seeing as he was an Undefeated Olympic gold medalist, and even though he had half the amount of fights as Tony Tucker. He arguably had the better names on his resume with wins over Bey, Sims, Snipes, Tillis, etc. So maybe the Tyrell Biggs win is more impressive based on that, and also the manner in which Mike Tyson beat Tyrell Biggs which was very impressive, where as Tony Tucker fight was pretty boring 12 rounder. I'm not saying your wrong by listing Tony Tucker BTW, just offering a debate in which maybe it could be argued.
I think Biggs was highly touted as I recall but don’t remember if he was seen as better than tucker. You may be right. Although tucker did have the IBF title
Perhaps Ruddock over Tucker, the former had that kind of reputation at the time which gave Mike's win that much more value.
Not gonna lie i actually forgot Tony Tucker held the IBF title at the time, maybe that could swing it in his favour. But i do think Tyrell Biggs actually had slightly better resume than Tony Tucker at the time. Wasn't Tony Tuckers only meaningful win over Buster Douglas at the time ? and Buster Douglas also quit in that fight, after being well ahead on points, so i'm not sure how well regarded Tony Tucker was at the time, even though he had an undefeated record, again i wasn't born so i have no idea about that. Although for your original question, are you basing it on Mike Tyson's performances in these fights aswell ? or just how well regarded the fighters were at the time ? because as i said the Tucker was pretty lackluster 12 round fight. Where as Biggs fight was a very impressive one sided beating.
I would have to say 1-Spinks 2-Berbick 3-Ruddock Tucker only became champ by beating Douglas for a vacant belt. He had a well documented hand injury before the Tyson fight and it was a rather lackluster event. A good win on paper, but considering Tucker hadn't done a whole lot and had an injury, I don't put much stock in it. The condition of the opponent is just as important as who the opponent is. Ruddock didn't have a belt, but he was in his prime, in good shape, and came to fight giving it his all. I put that win over Smith (despite also having a belt) for the same reason: Smith made very little effort and won his championship beating a seemingly completely disinterested Witherspoon. During this time frame, Smith had gone life and death with the likes of Marvis Frazier and Adilson Rodrigues (losing to both), and had previously lost to Tubbs and Witherspoon as well. He really didn't belong in the ring with Tyson that night and did little to convince anyone otherwise. Even knocking out guys like Thomas and Tubbs were far more impressive wins than beating an injured Tucker going through the motions, or a clinch spamming Smith.
I agree with this i think sometimes beating a very dangerous contender, outweighs beating a weak belt holder.
I disagree with the references to Berbick and Spinks being Tysons best. I grew up during his hay day like I’m sure many of you have. If the question is “notable” then yes. Those two were not his best because they were not in his league. Let’s be real. His best wins would be, to me, the ones that gave him issues and made him work. His early on tough outings were very likely Tillis, Tucker and Bonecrusher Smith. They made him go the distance, but they were also decisive wins. If I had to pick his “best” wins I’d say both Ruddock wins. A guy that matched his power and was much bigger. It’s still amazing to me how unimpressive his career was after age 23. Total enigma to me. Could’ve been quite possibly the greatest of all time. Just my opinion. I remember when Rooney was shelved. I was 19 at the time and I even knew that was the dumbest thing that could’ve ever been decided for him. As much as Tyson accomplished during the 80s, and what he did for the heavyweight division, I still feel we were all robbed by shotty management and, most of all, horrible personal actions and decisions by Mike.
Berbick - Youngest Heavyweight Champion ever Spinks - Title unification Holmes- Went on to fight until he was 50 and no one else ever knocked him out
