Michael Spinks would be Usyk's toughest fight. There I said it!

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Aug 17, 2025.


  1. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Spinks comes in at 199/200 pounds and fights Usyk at cruiserweight, he is Usyk's toughest fight. Even tougher than the heavyweight fights Usyk had. Don't be suckered in by the Mike Tyson KO. Usyk isn't prime 1988 Mike Tyson. He isn't plastering Spinks in 91 seconds.

    Now I'm not saying that Usyk loses, but Spinks would be no pushover.
     
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  2. he grant

    he grant Historian/Film Maker

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    I do0nt see him being tougher than Tyson Fury but it is a tough match up ... Spinks was very awkward, very tricky and had a lot of game ...
     
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  3. MaccaveliMacc

    MaccaveliMacc Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Don't know if he wins, but he definitely would be a challenge.
     
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  4. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    True. He did beat a good version of Holmes imo
     
  5. MaccaveliMacc

    MaccaveliMacc Boxing Addict Full Member

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    In the first fight, Holmes was his worst version ever. In the rematch however, he looked 2 years younger, but Spinks managed to get the controversial decision.
     
  6. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    Spinks at 199 and still 29 years of age would have been better than anyone Usyk fought at cruiserweight. He was highly skilled, quick, awkward, could punch and go 15 rounds. Don’t know if he beats Usyk or not but I’d give him a fair chance
     
  7. Jel

    Jel Obsessive list maker Full Member

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    Spinks would likely have been an outstanding cruiserweight - I think the weight would have suited him pretty perfectly as a stepping stone after light heavy. I’d be really interested to see how he would have fared against both Usyk and Holyfield.
     
  8. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    What about Usyk vs the other Spinks... Leon
     
  9. catchwtboxing

    catchwtboxing Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Yeah, he was a great fighter. I don't see why its controversial to say it would be a great fight.
     
  10. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Spinks also had a better mustache than Usyk. That should be factored in.
     
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  11. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    This is why I think Spinks would have done well at heavyweight when it included 176-199 pound fighters. Many of those top heavies would today be cruisers. A 199 pound Spinks in the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s would have done damage and lost only to the best of those decades.
     
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  12. Devon

    Devon Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I think Spinks would give him issues stylistically, he can compete technically unlike most, but I think many people would be surprised, even at crusierweight, how much bigger Usyk would look next to Spinks in the ring. If they’re forced to only be like 5lbs apart at most, I think Spinks could give Usyk nightmares stylistically though.

    Spinks is explosive and can take you by surprise, he could bait Usyk and land counter right, land body shots and uppercuts on the inside, he could throw lead left uppercuts, he has many tools to have success against Usyk.
     
  13. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    Would you put money on Leon ?
     
  14. MaccaveliMacc

    MaccaveliMacc Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Usyk kills him.
     
  15. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Leon did beat Ali