Michael Spinks (Tyson fight) vs Chris Byrd (Wlad II fight)

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by MaccaveliMacc, Jun 16, 2026.

  1. MaccaveliMacc

    MaccaveliMacc Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Who wins this matchup of the undersized heavyweights from their last title fights?
     
  2. Devon

    Devon Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Michael Spinks was past it due to his ankle, meaning he wouldn’t be able to quickly close the distance against Byrd and catch him by surprise with unorthodox set ups and attacks, whereas Byrd was simply not stylistically adapted to fighting a precise, sharpshooting, much bigger, taller and rangier straight puncher like Wlad.

    Byrd likely wins here, but at their HW bests I’d go with Spinks.
     
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  3. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    In this match up I'm going with Byrd.
    Spinks was well past his best.
    Chris throws him about and gets a mid fight KO.
     
  4. MarkusFlorez99

    MarkusFlorez99 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Chris has 0 power, Spinks would actually keep the fight at range and has the better chance of scoring a KO. Mike Tyson would obliterated a prime Chris Byrd within 2 or 3 rounds
     
  5. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    I don't see it.
    I think Spinks was the most done by then.
    Think about it, he never fought again after Tyson.
    Yea I can see Tyson stopping Byrd but I don't think it would be so quick, he'd give Tyson a few more rounds than expected imo.
     
  6. ikrasevic

    ikrasevic War for Souls Full Member

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    I'd favor Byrd just because of Spinks' knee problems, because I don't know how big the problems really were.
     
  7. BCS8

    BCS8 VIP Member

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    Byrd was still pretty good so long as he was fightng a guy within his size range.