Michael Spinks at heavyweight: Great?

I think the question here is rather about whether Spinks was a great heavyweight throughout the length of his career or not. The answer to that seems to be that he was not, due to his lack of longevity, dominance, quality record or exceptional ability as a heavyweight.

 

good point . And unlike Spinks , Tunney even managed 2 get KOd by his faded HW opponent . But just like Walker Smith Jr. , Cassius Clay & Lucian Bute , when 1 is d favorite fighting in his home turf , that 1 is guaranteed a KO proof insurance protection in case things get out of control . :deal

 

I perceive the question as whether or not spinks should go down as a heavyweight great or not. For me he did achieve heavyweight greatness so the answer is yes he should. Just like douglas, rahman and braddock.

If a man can sit atop his division i'm willing to recognise him as a great.

 

That's a difference of opinion then. In my view greatness is not only getting to the top, but being able to stay at the top and the ability to do so in other eras as well.

 

I agree with TheGreatA here. A great showing doesn't necessarily make a great fighter.

As for Spinks at Heavyweight, in hypotheticals there are certain stylistic matchups I'd pick him in, but 100% would find 'formidable' an inappropriate term to bestow upon him.

 

If I think someone can be a great in other era's I label them an all time great.

 

great fighter but at heavyweight he was not great. The fact he won the heavyweight title against Holmes who was experienced and still good, and then won the rematch also proves something and solidifies his greatness. To win a rematch and prove it was not a fluke or anything else proves a lot.

 

If he'd actually got the better of the rematch I'd tend to agree.

 

No. He was a decent/good HW who had one great night.

This does not define a great HW.

 

this was not Roberto Duran getting beaten easily by Ray in the rematch. Holmes came in fired up and Spinks still went the distance and it was a close fight, but he still edged it.

 

Mag I know we say duran is worth a mention, but in this case he actually isn't worth a mention!

I'd like to know your score of the thought because I think larry won quite clearly; I had it 9-6.

 

I had it a draw and thought Larry might have edged it, but I was happy Spinks won again. I have to admit I always looked forward to the comments which Larry said after he lost.

 

Shame on you!!

 

Nah.

ATG fighter, ATG LHW, but merely a good HW.

 

No.