Who was the 3rd best HW of the 1980s ?

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by ZiggyBowie, Sep 17, 2025 at 3:29 PM.


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  1. ZiggyBowie

    ZiggyBowie Active Member Full Member

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    The top 2 in Holmes and Tyson is set instone, but who was the 3rd best?
    There seemed to be a merry go round of champions aside from Holmes andTyson, but on their best day who wasthe 3rd best for you?
    In terms of ability and who would beat who on their best day, I’m going for ‘Terrible’ Tim Witherspoon. I think afully focused Witherspoon gives Tyson a helluva fight.
    Honourable mentions to Spinks andTucker.
     
    ZiggyBowie, Sep 17, 2025 at 3:29 PM
    ZiggyBowie, Sep 17, 2025 at 3:29 PM
    #1
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  2. Vince Voltage

    Vince Voltage Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Witherspoon is a fine choice. Myself, I am going with Michael Spinks. With the exception of Tyson, I think he drives all other heavyweights crazy.
     
    Vince Voltage, Sep 17, 2025 at 5:39 PM
    Vince Voltage, Sep 17, 2025 at 5:39 PM
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  3. catchwtboxing

    catchwtboxing Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    By accomplishment Witherspoon, as a two-time titlist who managed a successful defense, and four wins against fellow titlist Page, Tubbs, Bonecrusher and Bruno.

    By ability is a bit debatable, but Terrible Tim is still a great choice.
     
    catchwtboxing, Sep 17, 2025 at 6:12 PM
    catchwtboxing, Sep 17, 2025 at 6:12 PM
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  4. Dubblechin

    Dubblechin Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    It was arguably Trevor Berbick.

    Berbick defeated undefeated Pinklon Thomas, undefeated Greg Page, once-beaten John Tate, Muhammad Ali, undefeated Mitch 'Blood' Green, once-beaten David Bey, and was the first person in Holmes' reign to go 15 rounds with him.
     
    Dubblechin, Sep 17, 2025 at 7:15 PM
    Dubblechin, Sep 17, 2025 at 7:15 PM
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  5. Bigcheese

    Bigcheese Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Probably 89 Holyfield if we're talking H2H.
     
    Bigcheese, Sep 17, 2025 at 8:00 PM
    Bigcheese, Sep 17, 2025 at 8:00 PM
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  6. catchwtboxing

    catchwtboxing Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    You make a good point, here, Mr. Chin.
     
    catchwtboxing, Sep 17, 2025 at 8:13 PM
    catchwtboxing, Sep 17, 2025 at 8:13 PM
    #6
  7. Ice8Cold

    Ice8Cold Hype Jobs will be hype jobs until proven so. Full Member

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    Spinks or Holyfield.
     
    Ice8Cold, Sep 18, 2025 at 1:43 AM
    Ice8Cold, Sep 18, 2025 at 1:43 AM
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  8. destruction

    destruction Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Has to Evander Holyfield doesn't it? From 1987-1989 he was ranked above everyone except for Mike Tyson.

    Spinks is the 4th best, and the only other one you could argue is the 3rd best.
     
    destruction, Sep 18, 2025 at 3:15 AM
    destruction, Sep 18, 2025 at 3:15 AM
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  9. LoveThis

    LoveThis Sweet Science Full Member

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    (Edit) Do prime spinks/witherspoon vs 87-89 holyfield lose? He only started to fight in heavy in 88... Seems weird to count him in this race... Holyfield is a 90s heavy
     
    LoveThis, Sep 18, 2025 at 3:26 AM
    LoveThis, Sep 18, 2025 at 3:26 AM
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  10. destruction

    destruction Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Its very marginal, and its not clear. Out of 10 fights, I suspect Holyfield wins 6 and loses the other 4.
     
    destruction, Sep 18, 2025 at 3:28 AM
    destruction, Sep 18, 2025 at 3:28 AM
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  11. Bigplatts

    Bigplatts Member Full Member

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    Witherspoon for sure, both in accomplishments and h2h. He’s very underrated at this point. At his best he could’ve troubled any of the great heavyweights.

    Berbick is the wild card of the 80s. He sprang a lot of upsets.
     
    Bigplatts, Sep 18, 2025 at 4:45 AM
    Bigplatts, Sep 18, 2025 at 4:45 AM
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  12. MaccaveliMacc

    MaccaveliMacc Boxing Addict Full Member

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    When it comes to ability: Spoon, Spinks or Thomas.

    When it comes to resume: Spoon or Berbick.
     
    MaccaveliMacc, Sep 18, 2025 at 5:14 AM
    MaccaveliMacc, Sep 18, 2025 at 5:14 AM
    #12
  13. Bigcheese

    Bigcheese Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Ya I think they do. We know what type of fighter he was, he had already proved it at cruiser and beaten Dokes and Thomas at heavy.
     
    Bigcheese, Sep 18, 2025 at 5:38 AM
    Bigcheese, Sep 18, 2025 at 5:38 AM
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  14. heerko koois

    heerko koois Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Tucker is up there imo
     
    heerko koois, Sep 18, 2025 at 10:18 AM
    heerko koois, Sep 18, 2025 at 10:18 AM
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  15. heerko koois

    heerko koois Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Not in the 1980,s! he was only a contender, great one but not proven yet.
     
    heerko koois, Sep 18, 2025 at 10:51 AM
    heerko koois, Sep 18, 2025 at 10:51 AM
    #15
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