Michael Spinks from the first Holmes fight vs douglas of the Tyson bout

Both guys were right around 29 years old when these respective bouts took place. Spinks was approximately 6'2", 199 lbs while buster was 6'4" and I believe 230 lbs. Spinks was undefeated and pound for pound the better fighter but also in his first bout at heavy. James of course had spent his entire career in the big weight class. Both could go the distance and win on points, though Spinks had the experience of having been 15 rounds. Buster had the edge in height, reach, weight and slight edge in power.. Michael was awkward and probably quicker.

What do you think? Remember we're only talking about the versions of these guys on those specific evenings mentioned above.

 

I don't think he beats prime Holmes but I concur that a close decision over Douglas is doable.

 

Perhaps. But People's rating of Michael Spinks is based on an entire career featuring about a 98% success rate both in the amateurs and the pros... Douglas is mostly remembered for what he did on one evening for maybe 30 minutes.

 

Since you're bringing up a loss for Spinks that came outside the designated scope of the thread, then you've just freed me up to mention that douglas was beaten by Tucker, ferguson, bey, white and savarese.. And buster's stoppage of Tyson was the result of a sustained beating over many rounds against a man who took a rather unintelligent approach to the affair. The rest of his signature wins came via decision and against lesser men. That said I concur that buster "could" win. But not sure if I agree he should be the facorite or for the reasons provided.

 

Spinks got off the canvas against tyson and didn't need a long count to do it. He just had the misfortune of being past his prime facing a better version of Tyson, hence getting decked again.