1985 Michael Spinks vs. 1983 Tim Witherspoon

Spoon stays the limit but Spinks wins a UD

 

Witherspoon.

Probably by UD.

 

Im a big Spinks fan and thinks he gets underrated as a Heavy weight here, but i also think Witherspoon is a little underrated.

Lets see in 83 Witherspoon hadnt quite peaked yet but was already a top heavy,as Holmes found out. Id say Spinks would win a close decision here after a couple rocky moments. However the more experienced Witherspoon of maybe 85 might be able to capitalize on those rocky moments and finish SPinks off in the late rounds in a close fight.

 

Witherspoon in 1983 was quicker and punched harder than Holmes in 1985. I pick Tim to stop Michael. Just different styles.Experience could be a factor, but it also could help Tim be a little more spunky when he needs it, compared to some of his later fights like Pinklon Thomas.

 

Witherpsoon, who was focused in 1983 would win.

 

Witherspoon stops him in the mid rounds ...

 

i like witherspoon here if over twelve rounds spinks may last the distance

 

So far I am the only one who picked Spoon via decision route. I don't think he'd KO Michael, given that Spinks was a very savvy foe, and Tim won most of his bigger fights by decision. I can't pick Spinks to beat him though. Any version of Tim Witherspoon is the wrong opponent to be making a heavyweight debut against, and I think Michael would get bullied around in there. This would actually be a bizarre fight to watch, given the awkward nature of their styles..

 

Witherspoon would beat Spinks on decision, probably a knockdown or two would occur due to Witherspoon connecting on Spinks early.

 

Spinks by decision. He was too fast, too busy, had good enough defense and footwork, and excellent condition. Witherspoon had power and strength, but was too flatfooted and not busy enough to outpoint or KO Michael. Don't underestimate Spinks. Just because he got KO'd by one of the most explosive fast starting heavys in history who was expert at stopping guys in the 1st round doesn't mean that mere mortals could do the same. Whole different ball game.

 

Spinks by decision.
He was too awkward for 'spoon.

 

Witherspoon, by decision.

 

Man, i am sooooo undecided. Spinks is such a savvy foe. We have his savvy, experience and greatness vs Spoons natural size advantage and well rounded game. Spoon looked great vs Holmes but Spinks would fight a much different battle, cautious, measured and quite unorthodox.

Holmes with his declining reflexes and more flat footed style was right for Witherspooon to impress against. Could Witherspoon time Spinks canny rushes? Could he adapt to Spinks frustrating and awkward style? Would Spinks be shown up to be quite an ordinary heavyweight vs young and talented opposition? How would Spinks go when the deceptively heavy handed Witherspoon does actually tag him?

I'm torn. One part of me can see Spinks using Witherspoons cross armed defense against him, rushing him with flurries and seldom being around after he stopped punching. Another part of me simply see's Witherspoon as too big and dominating with his raw speed, size and power. Spinks could be forced to be too careful and lose a decision.

I'll go with a VERY close decision, so close it will depend on the judges of the day.

 

I go with Witherspoon over the distance. A bit too busy and strong for Spinks.