If that had been Michael in there against Ali (and not Leon), could he have beaten him twice? Let's assume it's Michael Spinks from both Holmes fights, where most saw Larry winning the rematch.
Yes. Spinks was highly skilled and a big puncher while Ali had lost his legs and was needing a hand from refs and judges to get past much lesser fighters at the time he fought Leon Spinks.
Absolutely Ali at that point in his career relied on sitting on the ropes because he had no legs anymore. Spinks wouldn't fall for the rope a dope tactic and he'd far too elusive for Ali at that stage in his career and he'd win a decision IMO.
Yes he did. No wonder Larry got pissed off and said kiss my black ass (or whatever he said). He should have been the champ again. Not fair!!
Not only would he have beaten him twice, but I doubt that either decision woudl have been controversial.
Ali at that point was no longer the same fighter after his constant wars. Spinks would have been too fresh going in and he would also be too smart to fall for Ali’s tricks. Very likely that Spinks pounds Ali pretty badly.
Yankee Stadium Ali is the last iteration of Ali that could have been competitive against a good fifhter
