In 1987 Michael spinks was still the linear heavyweight champion. Buster Douglas was around 26-27 years old and had claimed wins over such foes as Tex Cobb, Greg Page and unbeaten prospect Dion Dimpson. The IBF had him ranked #2 which in truth was generous, before losing competitively to Tony Tucker. This would be a very tough fight for both men. I might be inclined to picking spinks but narrowly. I can also understand why some might favor Douglas. What do you think ?
I think Douglas wins this as long as he is in shape. The version of Douglas that beat Tyson destroys any version of Spinks.
I was at Tyson-Spinks in AC and Big Bus fought on the undercard vs. Mike Williams. The thing I noted was that jab. Hadn’t heard of Buster before but it was one of the best I’d seen. Could Michael have taken it away with that herky-jerky style like he did Larry Holmes’ jab? Buster was younger, of course, but also green. I figure at that point I’d give the edge to Michael Spinks by 15-round decision, but it would have been competitive.
Yeah that’s what I think. Very close fight. Spinks was a master but Douglas could also be good when he wanted to be while also having the advantage of being the bigger man. It’s a hard call
Spinks wasn't a special Hw. He had one quality win - against Holmes, who should've lost his title to Witherspoon. I get it Douglas was inconsistent and forever a disappointment. But this feels like one fight where he doesn't crap the bed.
