Michael This content is protected weighed in at 175lbs when he knocked out Jim MacDonald in 8 rounds in June 1985 in a defence of his undisputed light-heavyweight world title. He then moved up to heavyweight to challenge champion Larry Holmes in September 1985, weighing in at just under 200lbs. This content is protected won a unanimous decision over 15 rounds to win the IBF title. This content is protected relinquished his light-heavyweight belts after this fight and fought out his remaining bouts at heavyweight before retiring in 1988 at the age of 32. ________________________________________________________________ Evander Holyfield won the WBA cruiserweight title by beating Dwight Muhammad Qawi on a split decision over 15 rounds in July 1986. He weighed in at 186lbs for the fight. He fought at cruiserweight for another 2 years before moving up to heavyweight to fight James Tillis in July 1988. Holyfield weighed in at 202lbs and won when Tillis retired in the 5th round. ________________________________________________________________ If This content is protected had not moved up to heavyweight in 1985, he would've still been lightheavyweight champion when Holyfield won the cruiserweight title in 1986. Had This content is protected moved up to challenge Holyfield at 190lbs in 1986-7, who would've won and why?? :bbb
Spinks might've had a shot with the green-ish Holy that struggled with Qawi the first time, but I'd take the improved Holy that crushed Qawi in the rematch over Spinks. He was a bit more naturally talented and better all-around.
Had Spinks dropped to Cruiser around 1986-1987, after besting Holmes, he might have found the 185-190 lbs mark as a comfortable weight. Given that he had reached the top both beneath and above those permaters, I think he may have faired well there. He was still around 29 years old, while Evander was still a work in progress, therefore he might have taken a decision.. In fact, he'd likely be favored to do it.... By 1988 however, Holy was peaking while Spinks was on the way out.. This would have been a different affair.
I felt that Mike was smarter, and had the better skill set. He would have tested Evander's chin early, found it impervious, then adjust for a duration contest. Holyfield outworked Qawi in a grueling 15 rounder, while Mike outmaneuvered and outboxed Ike in one of the most masterful performances of the decade. I'm comfortable with the expectation that Michael would take this on points.
Spinks might have eked out a decision over Holyfield at the beginning of his Cruiserweight reign, he would have been better than anyone Evander faced there. But i would favour Holyfield, he would be a lot stronger, more durable so if the were any knockdowns or knock outs it would be Spinks on the receiving end. I think in a boxing match Evander edges it, if he turns it into a war he wins it late.
I'm inclined to agree with My2Sense on Holyfield being more talented. Spinks is maybe more comfortable in terms of dictating a fight in mid ring, but when it comes to engaging then i see where M2S is coming from, Holyfield was so explosive with great combinations, and could keep it up. Spinks is fantastic though with his unorthodox movement and would be able to offset even Holyfield at times, and regardless of Holyfield's chin his attention will be gotten by Spinks' right hand, which definitely lands. I just think that prime Holyfield will be smart to try and outwork his man and would probably edge it doing so.
Look at these clips of him here against Qawi (the rematch): [yt]z68BwnFlNsU[/yt] [yt]_llLAmdGTaA&feature=related[/yt] He's quicker and more fluid on his feet than Spinks, and I'd say quicker and sharper with combinations as well. In addition, he was probably naturally bigger and stronger as well.
