Who is the ultimate Michael? Spinks or Moorer

I consider this largely insulting to Spinks.

 

Moorer was very good but Spinks dominated a much better LHW division.

The only way Moorer could be greater than Spinks is if Moorer had stayed at LHW for a few more years, beaten a prime RJJ, then moved up to beat Holyfield around 1997 (the same year Holyfield beat Moorer in the rematch).

If Moorer had wins over RJJ in 96 and Holyfield in 97, and a couple of more top heavies, you could make a case for Moorer (even then, Spinks would have much greater depth at 175 lbs)

But as it stands? Nah. Moorer's first win over Holy is better than Spinks over Holmes. Spink's resume at 175 is just too strong.

 

At light heavyweight I have to go with Spinks. At heavyweight, much closer fight

 

Spinks

 

The answer is Michael Gomez. A secondary answer but equally correct is Michael Watson.

 

Moorer bailed on LHW 6 years younger because he was a better HW prospect. While Spinks was just checking it off the bucket list after a HOF career at LHW. Sure Spinks had a better LHW career but why did he have a better LHW career?

Moorer before he moved to HW had a 100% KO rate he wasn't a greater LHW and didn't accomplish nearly as much but if they fought at LHW he should be favored to win.

 

Preach it brother.

Why in gods name would anyone favor a guy that -

Spent 5 1/2 extra years there.
Was lineal champion there for about as long as the other guy fought there.
Unified the titles there and proved himself #1 during the era, a brilliant one.
Fought an immensely stronger level of opposition and never lost a fight at the weight.
Beat guys there that were close to ATG level and who fought to that level at times.
Showed enormous adaptability is beating an array of high level styles.
Showed a great chin there, against big punchers to boot.
Wasn't just a trinket pretend title holder.
Was actually ring rated #1 there for years vs wasn't close.

You've sure got the patent on common sense.

 

Is the question better light heavyweight or better fighter ? Moorer certainly had much more success at heavyweight ...

 

Moorer's best win at Light Heavyweight is Leslie Stewart a fight in which he struggled in.

Spinks beat the likes of Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Yaqui Lopez, Marvin Johnson, some of the most dangerous and most recognisable Light Heavyweights in history.

Spinks is arguably a top 5 Light Heavyweight of all time and he's definitely a top 10 Light Heavyweight without question.

Moorer I wouldn't even class as a top 20 Light Heavyweight in all honestly.

At Heavyweight ? Moorer probably gets the nod as he had alot more filler at that weightclass. Although Spinks definitely has the best single win at Heavyweight.

But overall careers ? Spinks is well ahead of Moorer.

 

I'm not sure I'd class Moorer's win over Holyfield better than Spinks's win over Holmes.

Yes Holmes was older than Holyfield but dethroning arguably a top 5 Heavyweight of all time in your first Heavyweight fight is a huge achievement.

And whilst as I said Holmes was older than Holyfield you also have to mention Holyfield had heart problems vs Moorer. And was very poor in that fight arguably his worst performance of the entire decade.

So I think with that in mind I'd rate Spinks's win over Holmes higher personally.

 

Spinks is easily the greater fighter and a solid favorite H2H at 175. Moorer had a glossy record but was relatively untested at 175, and looked somewhat unimpressive in his most notable win there (Leslie Stewart)

I don’t know about H2H at HW though

 

At light heavyweight I think Spinks clearly takes it. He was one of the best ever at that weight, awkward style, great jab and timing, and just knew how to control fights. Moorer was good there too, but not on that level.
At heavyweight it gets closer. Moorer had the power and was a natural puncher, especially early in his career, but Spinks was the smarter, more awkward operator. I could see Moorer having moments, but over 12 rounds I’d still favor Spinks to outbox him.

 

Spinks by stoppage at 175. Spinks by decision at HW

 

Spinks simply at 175, no argument. Michael at 200 and above with room for argument.

That tells you enough.