Could Leon Spinks have dominated the heavyweights?

No. He was better than advertised and I like the man, but he was just too small for the era, and his pressure style would have gotten him starched against a number of big punchers.

Could have done better at heavy and had a brilliant cruiser career, though.

 

I don't think so. Leon had a lot of talent, but there were other issues besides his lifestyle. His team was all over the place and Leon being rushed towards the title too fast was another issue, since it takes time for any amateur fighter no matter how decorated to fully adjust form amateur to the pro ranks. Leon became the champion too quickly without paying enough professional dues, so he didn't appreciate the title until it was already gone.

 

The heavyweights of today? Yes absolutely, except for Usyk.

 

no

 

No Leon lacked the discipline and work ethic. Also was a bit undersized

 

He could have done some more stuff at HW if he stayed and didn't go down to Cruiser as the early 80s was a really weak era. But he could never have "dominated".

 

too small. a good busy fighter but I cant forget how Holmes battered him against the ropes. He'd do better against people like Marvis Frazier

 

Had he had the dedication that Mike had he might have been a contender at Cruiserweight but heavyweight would have been difficult. The division was getting too big by then and he was a slugger not a boxer.

 

Way too many highly pedigreed prospects from 1976 for Neon Leon. Even in a victory he would be forced into tough fights instead of an easy night off.

 

No, he didn’t have the ability.

He would’ve gotten caught against someone with power, even if they were mediocre. He was there to be hit and he didn’t have an iron jaw, nor was he a puncher.

He was a pressure fighter with little regard for defence, with a mediocre chin and average power, he was never gonna reign for a long time.

 

No definitely not dominate.
With the right mindset he possibly gets a couple more good wins, but it's against him really.

 

No, there were too many heavys who were better at that time, and he was undersized, as previous mentioned.

 

Doesnt even make top 10

 

No to be honest he can't not be on the same league than Trevor Berbick, Larry Holmes or Tim Witherspoon...

Even in the era of today he will be on the top 20 but no more to be honest.