More complete fighter: Ezzard Charles or Michael Spinks

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Flo_Raiden, Jun 10, 2026.


  1. Flo_Raiden

    Flo_Raiden Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    21,789
    34,918
    Oct 12, 2010
    Two outstanding fighters who have fought at LHW and HW. Both of them were complete boxers who were able to do anything in the ring. But who would you say is the more well rounded and skilled technician out of the two?

    This content is protected
    This content is protected
     
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2026
    thistle and robert ungurean like this.
  2. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

    17,122
    16,858
    Jun 9, 2007
  3. Mike Cannon

    Mike Cannon Boxing Addict Full Member

    4,685
    8,748
    Apr 29, 2020
    Hi Guys.
    Any 19 year old, with 2 years experience, that shuts down Charley Burley twice in just over a month, having him on the floor and nearly stopped in the first, is well....... so it's Charles for me.
    stay safe .
    Mike.
     
  4. Titan1

    Titan1 Boxing Junkie Full Member

    13,402
    2,967
    Oct 18, 2004
  5. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

    17,351
    12,754
    Sep 21, 2017
    Didn't Charles turn pro at 19?
     
  6. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member

    98,366
    30,172
    Jun 2, 2006
    Charles for me.
     
  7. SwarmingSlugger

    SwarmingSlugger Active Member Full Member

    1,349
    1,663
    Nov 27, 2010
    Charles all the way, Spinks was good no doubt but in recent years has been elevated to almost super hero status and he wasn't that.
     
    zadfrak likes this.
  8. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member

    98,366
    30,172
    Jun 2, 2006
    Impressive,but Charles had 6 1/2lbs and 9lbs on Burley in those fights.
     
  9. thistle

    thistle Boxing Junkie

    8,360
    8,943
    Dec 21, 2016
    it's still within a weight division one end to the next, No?

    and quite the norm if it had been a Catchweight arrangement where Burley came as he was, and Ezz 'might' have had to cut a few, but more than likely, at that point, come as they were under 175lbs or whatever an agreed weight meet might have been.

    anyway, the point is it is still within a division range, that might have favoured Burley, and either side of 6 lbs is not a huge ask in Catchweight practices anyway, No?
     
    Mike Cannon likes this.
  10. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

    114,657
    51,451
    Mar 21, 2007
    Two very good picks but it feels like there was a short spell where Charles was without flaw. Some of his HW performances are almost without flaw.
     
  11. META5

    META5 Well-Known Member Full Member

    1,872
    3,313
    Jun 28, 2005
    Charles - significantly so.

    Spinks was a great fighter - you could arguably claim Ezz at his peak as one of the very greatest fighters ever, as in arguably thee greatest - résumé is exemplary - comparable with Greb's, with the added benefit of his excellence available on film.
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta likes this.
  12. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

    52,105
    27,471
    Jan 3, 2007
    Probably Charles. Dealt with a wider range of styles
     
  13. PRW94

    PRW94 Well-Known Member Full Member

    2,319
    4,051
    Nov 26, 2020
  14. Flash24

    Flash24 Boxing Addict Full Member

    6,750
    10,105
    Oct 22, 2015
    Charles was more complete.....
    That doesn't mean he beats Spinks at Lt. Heavy or heavy.....
    Spinks matches up very well against Charles.
    A lot like Barkley did with Hearns.....
    Spinks awkwardness, power, and toughness....
     
  15. Clinton

    Clinton Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

    20,273
    6,588
    Jan 22, 2009
    Ez for me but not by a helluva lot.