Curious what folks think about this one. To set the table, in 2006 Ike had just lost a very controversial decision to Vernon Forrest at 154 while a weight drained Cory had rebounded after losing to Zab Judah to beat Roman Karmazin for the IBF 154 belt and he also beat a very difficult Rodney Jones that same year. This is an interesting fight due to the styles. Cory could hit on the move and make anyone look bad with his speed and skill. Ike was a bowling ball of hate that would walk guys down with his hard jab, strength and high guard. I have a feeling most will take Ike who undoubtedly was the more likable guy stylistically but Ike was a rhythm fighter which is the type of guy that Cory was great at neutralizing. Prime for prime I have Ike all day at WW but at 154 he was a bit slower and predictable. 50/50 fight too me in 2006.
Woulda been interesting, I think Quartey was all but done by 2006. But I remember him being a lot taller than Spinx, longer reach all that.... I don't know if he actually was, but I always remember them that way. I think Spinx could outbox if he could get through the reach. Quartey could catch him and probably KO him, but Spinx would really have to leave himself open
Spinks was actually the bigger man although Quartey fought like he was. Cory was about 5'10 and Ike was 5'8. Cory had the longest reach but Ike had a power jab and moved forward where Spinks moved latterly.
Karmazin was underrated fighter. I think He should've been undefeated coming into Spinks fight - as I had him beating Castillejo - and then He was coming out of superb performance against Ouma, whom He dominated completely. I think He was with Freddie Roach at the time and He really improved in terms of physical side, looked in great physical condition. Spinks did good job tricking and outboxing him, looked as good at 154 as in his best fights at 147 - and I don't think that post-comeback Quartey was better than prime Karmazin. I think it would be similar type of fight with Spinks outboxing Ike. Prime for prime at 147 - I agree, Ike was different kind of animal back then.
Good post and I agree about Karmazin. I had pretty good seats for Spinks vs Karmazin and I thought Karmazin won the fight at the end. He was definitely a good fighter that was somewhat snakebit. I'll never forgot that shock KO loss on HBO to Alex Buenma. That completely killed his career and cost him a big pay day.
That was a close fight. Taylor went on to lose his title against Pavlik in his next fight. Weird thing is had Cory beat Taylor, I think he would have beaten Pavlik. Pavlik struggled with movers with speed as Martinez showed. Even BHOP boxed circles around him. Pavlik would be the favorite against Spinks but I could totally see him taking Pavlik to school.
Pavlik was a much more physical fighter than Taylor. Spinks was nothing close to a true middleweight, but a Taylor fought a dumb fight at range and left a lot to exploit as always.
The thing about Pavlik was he attacked in spurts and was slow. He hit hard and was aggressive but he really was only successful against guys that stood in front of him. That's not Spinks. With that said, he absolutely had the power too get Cory out of there and it would not shock me if he did.
