Mike Tyson had a better career than Larry Holmes.

Next stop 75

 

I can't deny that isn't damn good hahahaha

 

Can’t we just settle this with the clear & objective fact that Holmes - whose career & in particular title reign - I often criticise as over-rated & under-scrutinised, plainly had a more accomplished career than Tyson?

 

probably not, because he didn't have one. Norton alone is not enough

 

Here's a question - How does everyone rate Holmes win over Norton vs Tyson's win over Spinks? Lots of factors at play here.

Norton was past his best and sliding whereas Spinks was undefeated and still undefeated and in his prime. I don't buy all the knee excuses.
Spinks himself never used the excuse and when pushed said he believes inactivity was the biggest problem and i'm guessing he of all people should know.

Norton had a far deeper heavyweight record than Spinks but actually won the title and off a ATG where as Norton was gifted it after the fact.

Talking realistically even the fading version of Norton that fought Holmes would have beat on the faded Holmes that Spinks beat including the rematch version.

Does the Spinks win get undersold? Would it be more highly regarded if Spinks presented a puzzle Tyson took more rounds to solve? Boxing can be funny like that.

So which win was better? The scenario is worth a thread in isolation IMO. I think Norton would prevail but i'd be interested in what balanced unbiased posters came up with vs the more popular scenario.

 

Well Norton produced the last great performance of his career, & it was a damn good one, while Spinks in my view plainly feigned injury & took a willing ten count to get out of there. Not at all Tyson’s fault but how much credit can you impart if the opponent takes a voluntary count, ninety seconds into a fight?

 

That's opinion based and one not everyone will agree with. Some try and take credit from Liston because Paterson was so scared and intimidated. Doesn't work that way really.

 

It's an interesting question. Tyson's win was disgustingly dominant, true.

 

Holmes biceps didn't end up affecting that fight. He's still pumping that jab late etc. I couldn't see Spinks beating a Holmes that had entered his prime. Agree Tyson would mortify Norton.

 

Spinks voluntarily got his brains scrambled? Like, he raised his hand and said yeah, that's the way I wanna go out with my head slamming against the deck after shipping a perfectly placed counter right by the best KO artist of the time?!

Spinks went out in style, voluntarily indeed.