Spinks and Tyson, who do you rate higher all time?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Blofeld, Apr 1, 2023.


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  1. Blofeld

    Blofeld Active Member Full Member

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    Yes I know Spinks lasted 91 seconds against Mike but I was interested who you have ranked higher on your all time lists? While I don't have the exact number I tend to rate Spinks a few places higher only because I feel he fulfilled his potential. He was also a linear champ who unified a messy division and whatever you think of the scoring his two wins over ATG Holmes as first ever LHW to claim the HW crown is pretty special.

    Tyson is very close due to the sheer excitement to brought to the game but his prime was quite short. Also Spinks has one loss to an ATG and I feel maybe slightly edges Mike in competition even though some of his wins maybe less well known to the general public.

    I will say aesthetically I rate Tyson higher, Spinks was very awkward while Tyson's technique was a thing of beauty in his early days.

    What do you think?
     
    Blofeld, Apr 1, 2023
    Blofeld, Apr 1, 2023
    #1
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  2. ikrasevic

    ikrasevic Who is ready to suffer for Christ (the truth)? Full Member

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    As a heavyweight, definitely Mike.
    If we also count the LHW analysis, it is more complex.
     
    ikrasevic, Apr 1, 2023
    ikrasevic, Apr 1, 2023
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  3. Greg Price99

    Greg Price99 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    I have Spinks at #5 at LHW and Tyson at #10 at HW.

    I have Spinks higher p4p.
     
    Greg Price99, Apr 1, 2023
    Greg Price99, Apr 1, 2023
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  4. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

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    Spinks by a mile. It's not even a question to me.
     
    JohnThomas1, Apr 1, 2023
    JohnThomas1, Apr 1, 2023
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  5. Stevie G

    Stevie G Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Spinks higher on a pound for pound criteria for reasons stated above. Obviously Tyson on a purely heavyweight basis.
     
    Stevie G, Apr 1, 2023
    Stevie G, Apr 1, 2023
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  6. techks

    techks ATG list Killah! Full Member

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    This is a great example of a pfp vs H2H argument. Reigning at LHW then capturing the HW title against a reigning ATG then defending? Only losing to the most intimidating and arguably most peak version of Tyson, another hvy ATG? Incredible. I will never hold that loss against him and go w Spinks over Tyson.


    Now, with bias, think most of us would rather watch Tyson for his combination of excitement and pure technique early on. Overall his viciousness hell he hit Bruno(rematch) n Holyfield with punches that still make me wince every rewatch.
     
    techks, Apr 1, 2023
    techks, Apr 1, 2023
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  7. Melankomas

    Melankomas Prime Jeffries would demolish a grizzly in 2 Full Member

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    Spinks by far.
     
    Melankomas, Apr 1, 2023
    Melankomas, Apr 1, 2023
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  8. James Page

    James Page Active Member banned Full Member

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    Most people consider Spinks to be Tysons greatest victory while most consider Holmes to be Spinks greatest victory.
    You do the math
     
    James Page, Apr 1, 2023
    James Page, Apr 1, 2023
    #8
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  9. AwardedSteak863

    AwardedSteak863 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    P4P Spinks without question but Tyson is one of those guys that truly changed the sport. Tyson had way more impact. The average person today doesn't even know who Michael Spinks is but everyone knows Mike Tyson.
     
    AwardedSteak863, Apr 1, 2023
    AwardedSteak863, Apr 1, 2023
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  10. RulesMakeItInteresting

    RulesMakeItInteresting Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I actually have to put Michael Spinks ahead here, as I think he was a greater light heavy as opposed to Mike's reign at heavy.

    I had huge regard for Mike's 80s reign and not much for Spinks' heavyweight accomplishments, though.
     
    RulesMakeItInteresting, Apr 1, 2023
    RulesMakeItInteresting, Apr 1, 2023
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  11. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Spinks is ranked way, way higher than Tyson on any sensible list.

    Best weight for best weight Spinks did more than Tyson. On top of which, Spinks beat Holmes twice wheras Tyson lost twice to Holyfield. Tyson is an ATG fighter but he's not in the class of Michael Spinks.
     
    McGrain, Apr 1, 2023
    McGrain, Apr 1, 2023
    #11
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  12. greynotsoold

    greynotsoold Boxing Addict

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    Some curious gymnastics here.
    They fought and one guy was scared out of his wits and was knocked out in one half of one round yet you rate him higher than the guy that splattered him.
    Thye whole "who is better pound for pound" trip is a fun thing if you are comparing Ricardo Lopez to Marvin Johnson but when you are comparing guys that actually fought...saying that the guy that lost in 91 seconds is better pound for pound is mental masturbation.
     
    greynotsoold, Apr 1, 2023
    greynotsoold, Apr 1, 2023
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  13. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    I won’t assign numbered ratings to either of them but I agree with the premise that Spinks should rate higher p4p.
     
    mr. magoo, Apr 1, 2023
    mr. magoo, Apr 1, 2023
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  14. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    Not really. Greatness in boxing is assessed on a lot more than just what took place in a single evening.
     
    mr. magoo, Apr 1, 2023
    mr. magoo, Apr 1, 2023
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  15. Bronze Tiger

    Bronze Tiger Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Spinks
     
    Bronze Tiger, Apr 1, 2023
    Bronze Tiger, Apr 1, 2023
    #15
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