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

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Probably 89 Holyfield if we're talking H2H.

 

You make a good point, here, Mr. Chin.

 

Spinks or Holyfield.

 

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.

 

(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

 

Its very marginal, and its not clear. Out of 10 fights, I suspect Holyfield wins 6 and loses the other 4.

 

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.

 

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

When it comes to resume: Spoon or Berbick.

 

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.

 

Tucker is up there imo

 

Not in the 1980,s! he was only a contender, great one but not proven yet.