I know that some of you will say that Dempsey walks through Michael due to what was seen in the Tyson fight. But hear me out. Let's say that Spinks came in the ring at 6'2 208, the size he was for Cooney. He would be the largest AND most skilled opponent that Dempsey laid eyes on. He has more than enough pop in his punches to hurt the 6'0 187 pound Dempsey along with superb boxing ability. He was bigger, more skilled and hit harder than Carpentier (even if he was 175, this would still be true). That said, how does this fight go. I say Spinks either soundly out points him, knocking him down along the way or Dempsey stops him late. Thoughts?
True or not, it has been written that Tex Rickard asked Dempsey to carry Carpentier a few rds lest he KO him too quickly and disappoint the spectators. IIRC , it did seem on film that when Dempsey did seriously put the pedal to the metal, Georges was seen off shortly thereafter. However, in equal balance, Dempsey was the last guy to cut anyone some slack and allow a fight to go any longer than necessary. Killer instinct is killer instinct and the less fighting time, the less time you yourself can possibly get hurt. However, it’s not impossible that Dempsey was cajoled in this instance into allowing Georges a few rds if he knew he could def. put Carps out as and when he saw fit.
I believe Dempsey was an extremely overrated hype job. He does not literally walk through anybody you put him against. Dempsey's awfully crude bullcharging attacks and his infamous Roll wouldn't have worked against an awkward fighter like Spinks. Carpentier was a tomato can compared to Spinks. Spinks KO/TKO 6
Actually Jess Willard was the largest fighter Dempsey laid eyes on. But given his age and inactivity I don’t suppose it mattered. I’ve always felt that the Tyson fight was an inaccurate representation of Michael Spinks. For whatever reason Michael wasn’t there to fight. Call it fear or lack of motivation or just a yearning to get it over with an retire. Either way…. That said I think a fully motivated and well trained spinks would give Dempsey fits and possibly even win…. Wouldn’t bet money on any outcome however
At the risk of attracting the ire of some, I am going to say that I think you have said something here. I don't take it quite as far, but I wonder that some think the bull charging would work against a talented Olympic medalist and two-weight champ.
I believe spinks could not keep Jack off of him, and jack would beat him down. Ah, people say, Tunney beat him. Yes, but Gene Tunney beat a shadow of Dempsey. The manassa mauler would come after him from the opening bell and on the outside michaels lacks the raw power to prevent him from getting inside. Jack can cut the ring off on him and force him to fight. Btw, could mike even come to the ring without showing any sign of fear? I mean mike Tyson was intimdating and so was dempsey.............
