Two-weight world champion Michael Spinks has had his say on who he thinks was the better fighter between Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson.
Spinks’ career spanned 11 years between 1977 and 1988, where he held the IBF heavyweight title as well as the undisputed light heavyweight championship, losing on just one occasion after having 23 professional outings.
He made the move up to heavyweight in September 1985, outpointing Holmes over 12 rounds to capture the IBF title. They met for the second time seven months later, as Spinks retained his crown in a slightly closer affair.
Spinks faced ‘Iron’ Mike in his 32nd and final bout in June 1988, as he bid to become the undisputed heavyweight champion against the formidable Tyson.
He suffered a devastating first round knockout defeat to the then 21-year-old Tyson, who retained the WBC, WBA and IBF titles in the process.
Speaking to The Ring Magazine, Spinks was asked to reveal who he felt was the better fighter between his former opponents, making no mistake in choosing ‘Iron’ Mike.
“Tyson had to be the best because he beat Larry Holmes and me.”
At his best, ‘Iron’ Mike was a force to be reckoned with. With his infamous and explosive ‘peek-a-boo’ style, he became the youngest world heavyweight champion in 1986 when he blasted out Trevor Berbick in the second round of their bout to capture the WBC heavyweight title.
Although the later stages of his career were filled with a number of controversies both inside and outside of the ring, Tyson is still recognised as one of the greatest heavyweights in boxing history,
