Really? I know some rounds were close, but i had Spinks winning that one by 5 points, not being argumentative there, just thought i'd put that in! At 175, his right hand was immense, he could glide around the ring, control the action with movement combined with a jab, and then when a guy wasnt expecting it, bang, one right hand and that was that. At HW, the size difference showed, and he was just pestering Holmes with his hardest shots, but he baffled the helll outta him with that awkwardness, get close, let hands go rapidly, and crowd Holmes' big shots, then be out of the way before Holmes could get set, clever stuff
Unconventional but effective, Spinks had all the basic skills, and he just developed a unique style. But his jinx compared well with any weapon used in the history of the 175lbs division. For the record I had Spinks winning the first Holmes fight 8-7; Holmes, the rematch 9-6.
Spinks' killer instinct was brilliant against Cooney. I liked Spinks in that fight. His style was very unatural. He had a very weird and unorthodox rhythm.
Most have already described Spinks' style fairly accurately, but I will ad that he got more effective as the fight went on. He was not a particularly fast starter, which may have proven problematic against some of history's deadliest punchers who started off quick. But, for those who were not able to stop him early, they were in for a horribly long night. Michael could nail fighters from angles that were never thought possible. He found openings on guys that most people ordinarily wouldn't. His stamina and punching power were excellent, and his chin was underrated in my opinion. Here is some youtube footage of him in prime against Mustapha Wassaja. Not one of his most impressive performances, but a decent fight nonetheless. He is a tad slow and flat footed in the begining. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWrnTYTG42Y
Spinks's right hand "Spinks Jinx" got the attention, but his left hand packed power too. He almost decapitated Wasajja with it and took out Marvin Johnson with a perfect left uppercut.
This is what I came here to say. Spinks seems to be in the same position as Wladimir Klitschko is: the much vaunted right hand is actually the less deadly half of a potent two-fisted attack. Spinks deployed the left hand against southpaws, which is interesting as of course you’d expect his right hand to do the job there. Spinks IS often given credit for his versatile and cultured left hand (look how he bossed Qawi with it) but I’m of the opinion he was also very gifted at delivering powerful blows with it. A horrid, herky-jerky stylist all the same. One of my favourites.
It’s kind of a perpetual motion style..like what Tyson Fury does ..Spinks was an underrated defensive fighter