"Who is the legitimate champion?" Coverage with Mike Tyson and Michael Spinks both debating in the ring, explaining on both their bouts with Jim Lampley and Alex Wallau. Looks like this has been re-upped in better quality on YT, never saw it before since a couple of weeks. Part1 This content is protected Part2 This content is protected @Fergy @swagdelfadeel @Unforgiven @KidDynamite
Good stuff! Sounds crazy now, but people giving Spinks an actual shot at winning. Of course, the Ring mag had him as their champion, most looking at the ranking s then, without any knowledge of the lineal title would have thought... WHAT!!!
I remember recording that. I still have it. Of course, people thought Spinks might win. He was undefeated. An all-time great light heavyweight. He'd ended Holmes' seven-year run as champ. Defeated him twice. Knocked out Cooney in shocking fashion. Spinks was still only 30 years old. Keep in mind, Mike Tyson was 20 years old. He was two months removed from a horrible performance against Bonecrusher Smith, in which Smith staggered him right at the end. Tyson had that bald spot on the top of his head because his hair was falling out due to stress. People were beginning to wonder if they'd jumped the gun on Tyson. The Thomas fight was a needed impressive win for him, at that time.
It was the Ring mag standing up for sticking to the lineal title, rather than the alphabet boys. Course everyone who followed boxing then knew Larry was the true champion, till Spinks. In hindsight, Spinks never stood a chance but good on the Ring for sticking to their guns.
Spinks was the world champion for beating Holmes. He beat the man who was regarded as champion. But Tyson was proving himself the best in the world and acquiring the recognition of governing bodies.