The 37 year old Patterson looked quite tasty for a while against Muhammad Ali during their rematch. This is indeed kudos to Floyd,as the mighty Muhammad had just entered his 1972-74 best period of his post-exile career. Pit this version of him against the Spinks of the first Ali fight in Las Vegas. Who takes it ? I say that Floyd had enough left to pick up a decision by cleverly outboxing Leon,who would deck Patterson once,on his way to defeat.
Floyd would win a decision over Spinks...I have no doubt. He was too smart, too fast, etc., I don't even think Spinks would score a kd..but Floyd might..with a fast left hook to the head..at least a flash knockdown.
I could see Leon putting down Floyd early, but Floyd would get up and decision Leon over ten rounds, too much experience.
Patty was still fit and sharp in '72 at age 37 and 188 solid pounds, but I think the younger and very aggressive Spinks might've edge Patty over 15 rds... Ali was able to man-handle Spinks down in New Orleans, however, Patty was not as strong or nearly as big as Ali was... I'll go out on a limb and say Leon Spinks W15 Floyd Patty in a time machine..... Spinks of '78 was reckless, wild, green and determined... MR.BILL
There are too many question marks here for me to make a reasonable determination. Spinks had only 7 pro fights when he decisioned Ali, and went 15 rounds in the rematch, but was then stopped in one round by Coetzee, then never did anything of note again. This makes me ask, exactly how far gone was Ali, and how good was Spinks? On the flipside, Floyd had a respectable comeback, but was 37 years of age and had a roller coaster career, even when prime. Had either of these men ever faced a fighter of the other's description? I really have no idea...
Ali at age 36 and 221 pounds in 1978 still had savvy and finess, but his punching-power was long gone....... Coetzee of '79 was raw, but strong as an Ox and he hit like a mule kicked... I think Spinks being careless and reckless thought little of Coetzee's power going into that fight.... It became a huge mistake on Leon's part...... MR.BILL