Who wins a third match up between these guys? Joe Louis v Jersey Joe Walcott? Holyfield V tyson? Michael spinks v Larry holmes? Witherspoon V Bonecrusher Smith? We can assume the fights would take place 3 months after their second bout. Any upset s in there in your opinion?
I'm unsure about a third match between holmes and spinks. I know holmes was getting on at that point but he did give holyfield and mccall decent fights years later. Imo holmes would finally crack the spinks jinx and out point him. Probably by a wafer thin split Dec. Witherspoon beats Smith. Tyson v holyfield should be a repeat of the first ft but this is mike so anything could happen.
Only the fourth is a true rubber match. Witherspoon took an 8-month lay-off following his knockout loss to Smith and was showing tell-tale signs of fading well before that. It's difficult to predict how he might do in an immediate rematch, but the timing should favor him. I think he would rededicate himself enough to defeat Bonecrusher by lackluster decision.
I thought Holmes had actually won the rematch against Spinks and that the judges had got it wrong. If they had fought again months later, my money would have been on Holmes to finally get the win, though once again those judges might have thought differently.
Walcott - Fresher fighter at this point in time. Louis had to pull it all out in the second fight. Holyfield - At this point in their careers Holyfield had Tyson's number. Spinks - Similar scenario to Louis/Walcott rubber. Witherspoon - If he was focused. Would be simialr to their first go when Tim shut James out.
Holmes already won the rematch but they screwd him so i pick him in 3rd. Holy wins Spoon wins Walcott won first but screwed too. Got carless in 2nd learns his lesson and wins the 3rd
Holmes beat Spinks in their rematch IMO. I was shocked when the decision went to Spinks. Holmes was an unliked fighter during that time and I am sure this had its effect.
Louis: Walcott not the best in rematches, or rubber matches. Tyson: Very winnable fight for Tyson. Holmes: Learned his lesson. Spoon: Regroups and outclasses Bonecrusher.
How about these two being added to the mix ? Hearns-Leonard Benn-Eubank Both rematches ended in questionable draws so were crying out for rubbers.
Joe Louis v Jersey Joe Walcott? >>> Walcott on points. Holyfield V tyson? >>> Holy 3-0 here. Michael spinks v Larry holmes? >>> 50/50, with honest judges I'd pick Holmes to win. Witherspoon V Bonecrusher Smith? >>> Witherspoon
With those two Stevie if the rubber match took place, say three months later I would go Leonard v hearns. Another seesaw battle with both men been hurt. But hearns drops sugar 3 times in the course of the fight and finally gets a decision over him. Benn v Eubank. I see this as similar to leonard v hearns above with Benn been one step ahead of eubank. Chris tries a last minute rally in the final round and rocks Benn badly but he hangs on to get a majority decision. Revenge for hearns and Benn!
