I may be mnistaken, but I think that photo is actually from after he won the heavyweight championship.
That was my take too. When I first saw the 2nd fight after the fact (shortly after Tyson vs Spinks), way back in the day when I was still a little Robney, I actually thought that was the first one and Larry should have gotten the decision. That stayed with me for many years, until I finally realized that it hadn't been their first encounter I had actually seen. I always loved the fun fact that Spinks vs Tyson was the "lineal" champion vs the undisputed one.
I agree with the truth...Spinks was a great LHW. Top 5 AT LEAST. Some of his victims included: Sutherland Dwight Qawi Eddie Gregory Marvin Johnson Yaqui Lopez Vonzell Johnson A very good resume, and of course at HW be beat Holmes legitimately and Gerry Cooney.
Very underrated fighter. Think the story of Mike pounding on the wall before their fight and the stare in the ring adds to the legend that Tyson broke him down mentally before the fight even started. He reminds me a bit of Jose Aldo, who was a champion for almost 10 years before getting KOd by Conor McGregor in 14 seconds, then brushed aside. At his best he is for sure a top 5 LHW all time. Thanks for giving him the spotlight Rummy!
I'd forgotten about the fight that didn't happen,,Spinks vs Tony Tucker. That would have been a good one , but Spinks got more money fighting a shot to pieces Cooney which is understandable. I think Rummy is right, Spinks ko loss to Tyson does sort of overshadow his entire career which was one of the best at light heavy.
Good call about how Larry looked in the first fight,,,confused. He had no answer for Spinks quick combos and I remember watching the fight thinking, Spinks is making Holmes look old. In retrospect Holmes needed a come to him slower fighter sort of like the Mercer he beat years later not a fighter who was quick and could move. I suspect he picked Spinks thinking he wasn't a threat for his 49th win. Backfired though.
Hagler didn't duck Spinks. He NEVER fought at 175. You can't duck someone when you NEVER fought at that weight.
