Its said that Spinks ducked Tucker, but I don't think thats totally accurate. I think its more the case of Spinks gettin 4 million dollars as opposed to the half a million he would've gotten for Tucker. Although in hindsight, had he taken on Tucker and won, it may not have bern good for his bank balance, but better for his legacy at heavy. Who takes it between an ATG light heavy and a solid, formidable heavyweight contender?
I really don't see Spinks doing well here. His legs had deteriorated quite a bit by this time and he'd need them against a safety first tall guy with a big reach advantage. Whatever else he was, Spinks was no risk taker in there and he'd be within punching range long before he could set his own feet. And Tony is no risk taker himself and will not put himself in harm's way. Dreary bout though and a decision bout all the way. I think Carl Williams at that time was another real bad match for Spinks. Mike had to have face first easy to hit guys or diminished reflexes in front of him as a heavy. Tucker at that time was not that kind of opponent.
This fight interests me, because it could have been, and it could have taken history in a very different direction.
I think the public wanted Cooney/Spinks more. Hence the bigger purse. Tucker was really unknown by anyone who didn't really follow the sport. More hardcore fans may have wanted Tucker/Spinks but John Q Public wanted Cooney/Spinks I remember hearing that right before the Tyson/Tucker fight someone saw Tucker in public and asked him if he was still fighting.
What happened when Michael sparred Greg would happen if he fought Tony. He would lose by wide unanimous decision.