Michael Spinks post-Tyson alternative career

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by MaccaveliMacc, Mar 19, 2026.


  1. MaccaveliMacc

    MaccaveliMacc Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Let's say The Jinx continued on fighting after the Tyson loss. Cherry picking big fights for most money, he would take on:

    -Comebacking George Foreman
    -Francesco Damiani for the WBO belt
    -Third fight with comebacking Larry Holmes

    How do you think he would do? Could he beat all of these guys? Would he?

    Shout out @mr. magoo for inspiration.
     
  2. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    Thanks for creating this thread. Really about the only thing I can say is that Spinks chances in these matchups would depend entirely on how much his heart was truly still in boxing . In reality he retired after the Tyson fight because he decided he was finished with boxing. But hypothetically if he opted to continue then perhaps his motivation would be otherwise. Beating Holmes a third time is something I’d favor Spinks to do. Larry wasn’t going to be any better than he was in 1985 and while Michael wasn’t either he’d still have the advantage of being younger as well as NOW being more acclimated to the division. George Foreman would be a very dangerous fight for Michael at any stage. I’d probably lean towards George winning but Spinks would have a chance IF he boxed VERY carefully. Damiani is a tossup. If this were the Michael Spinks of 1985-1987 then I’d favor Spinks. But after Tyson, it would be a tough fight. Francesco could both box and punch and was a respectable size.
     
  3. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist

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    Foreman wouldn’t fight him.
    Damiani would be razor close especially if Spinks had declined by then.
    He’d beat Holmes.
    He also could have a very competitive fight with Holyfield, but would probably get stopped late unless still in mid 80s form.
     
  4. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    Foreman might take that fight if the money is right and he gets a promised shot at the title if he wins. Especially after seeing Tyson drop him in only 91 seconds
     
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  5. Yorbals

    Yorbals Boxing Addict Full Member

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    His knees were bad, ca. only do so much with bad knees, and fighting George Foreman with no faith in your legs to get you out of trouble seems like a terrible idea
     
  6. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    Yeah, even Spinks in his absolute prime couldn't afford to stand still in front of old Foreman, especially the "younger" old Foreman of the late 80s, early 90s. He only wins that fight by being able to move and move quickly.
     
  7. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist

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    I doubt it. Spinks was hardly Rodrigues and Foreman didn't fight anyone else with legs except for Holyfield during his comeback. He'd need to see a legless Spinks lose or struggle heavily with a scrub before considering it.
     
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  8. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    Meh. He fought Morrison, Stewart, Briggs , Savarese, and yes even Rodriguez wasn’t bad. I don’t think he’d be terrified of Spinks after getting sparked in 91 seconds with brace on both knees and especially if the money and future promises were right
     
  9. NoNeck

    NoNeck Pugilist Specialist

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    Rodrigues and Holyfield were the only two movers he fought. Rodrigues had just been destroyed by Holyfield and Holyfield liked to trade and brought a big bag of money to the table.

    Foreman didn't fight guys like Williams, Tucker, Orlin Norris, Damiani, Tubbs, Biggs, Seldon etc.

    It isn't a random occurrence.
     
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  10. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    Ok go with it.