Michael Spinks Vs. George Foreman 1987/88

Timeline just doesn't line up right for me to favor George here vs a pre-Tyson Spinks. There's a world of difference between knocking rust off vs Tim Anderson and Mike. Gimme Spinks on points.

 

Spinks, as much as I disliked him, is more than good enough to outpoint George who is just way to slow to connect.

 

Foreman would win because Michael Spinks is just a gift to Foremans fist but two things to weigh

A)Physically Foreman wasn't that far from what would have been his prime.

B)Foreman had been gone for 10 years which heavily mitigates the relevance of point A.

 

Another factor is Spinks would have underestimated George and seen the fight as a joke. Foreman who didn't fight in 10 years with no impressive comeback tape? Spinks is kinda being set up here.

 

Isn't your scenario based on the idea he wouldn't see what happened to Qawi?

Anyone would have taken longer then Tyson including Tyson if they fought a different night because speed runs aren't really planned they either happen or they don't.

 

It would be Foreman's first match after a decade and obesity so Spinks by 12-0 decision.

 

I don't think there is much difference between the two versions honestly, Tyson was just universes above a drunk Cooney.

 

50/50 imo George wasn't as declined as the mid 90s but I'd slightly lean Spinks

 

Hello, ikrasevic.

I think, at that point (late 1987?) Spinks could have won quite a few rounds on activity and movement, together with some sharp right hands that could get George's attention but not really hurt him badly. Foreman could win rounds with hard body work to slow Spinks down, using his power jab for positioning, and his hard right hand and left hook (that could get more than Michael's attention).

I see Spinks ahead on the cards, but not as widely as some would think, going into about round 9. After round 8 I see Spinks slowing ever so slightly, inspiring George to speed up some and throw more heavy shots. George Foreman's power was terrifying at any age and, by this time, Spinks realizes that fact. At this point in the fight I think George catches Spinks with something that knocks him down hard, possibly once or even twice. The fight could end between the 9th and 11th round or Spinks might survive and go into a modified box and survive mode after a very bad round for him. So, if it's stopped, or Michael fails to rise from a knockdown, Foreman wins by TKO or KO between rounds 9 and 11.

If Spinks survives, the fight goes on, but George might be somewhat gassed at this point, and will likely be suffering from some rather severe swelling on his face. So after 12, I will go with George Foreman by a very close decision win, upsetting the betting line on the outcome, as well as many boxing people who never even considered that a possibility. Stranger things have happened in my favorite sport.

If forced to pick one outcome, I would go with George Foreman by a stoppage between rounds 9 and 11.

 

This. Spinks was levels faster than the old geezer and more skilful. I mean, I guess it isn't impossible that Foreman catches him and finishes him at some point, but if Spinks boxes clever and avoids trying to be macho, he ought to take a decision comfortably.