How was Michael Spinks recieved in the 80s?

Spinks was given real kudos after beating Qawi. And although both fights were controversial (fight two more than fight one, IMO), Spinks rightly got a ton of credit for the Holmes wins.

Spinks was very much considered up there with Hagler, Hearns and Leonard.

Pre Tyson, I guess most would of had him only behind Hagler and Leonard as the finest fighter of the 80s.

 

I had Spinks winning, but I think it is 60/40 split (In Spinks favour) amongst the general boxing fans, as to who they felt won.

 

At the time I imagine a lot were making excuses.

In retrospect it's easier to say 'no controversy'. The 2nd fight however...that's another thing entirely :good

 

To address your question, and not get sidetracked onto the whole Larry Holmes for the umpeenth time, Spinks had solid pedigree from Day One and was regarded as a "smart fighter" with composure and technical skill. After Marvin Johnson won a couple rounds, only to be left unconscious on the mat while "Another One Bites The Dust" blared over the arena soundsystem, Spinks was looked at as having a time bomb of a right hand that would surely explode at some point during any fight. The Qawi fight was a disappointment to most in that there were never any detonations and Spinks just outboxed him without displaying that bone-jarring power. I would say that he had an aura up until that fight of invulnerability in the eyes of most. His defenses were regarded as almost foregone conclusions.

 

Good call, it is very nearly the same thing. IMO Duran edged Ray and Spinks edged The Big Black Cloud. But some disagree, and I can see their point, I just do not agree with it.

 

Early on, he was respected as a striking contrast to brother Leon. Acknowledged in the Montreal Olympics for having impeccable skills when he wasn't winning via walkovers. Garnered even more appreciation as a responsible and disciplined professional when he was ready and available to step in as a last second substitute for an injured Mike Rossman when the Jewish Bomber couldn't make his heavily hyped rematch with upstart Ramon Ranquello. That turned around what had been a moribund punch for pay career.

Marvin Johnson established that he had one punch power in his left as well as his right. Many wanted to see what a LHW Title rematch between him and Mustafa Muhammad would have produced, but Eddie has only himself to blame for what did and did not happen between them. Michael had personality, skill, power and professionalism.

SRL was either loved or hated by most fans. Because of the intensity and numbers of Ray's detractors, and discontinuation of his career after Finch, I would go so far as to suggest that Michael was actually the most respected alumnus of the 1976 US Olympic team.

 

LOL:rofl

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62516&page=3

 

Ring Magazine, with the two Sugar Rays on the cover, had Leonard beating Duran in Montreal.