Michael Spinks Didn’t Hesitate When Asked If Prime Larry Holmes Beats Mike Tyson After Facing Both

Michael Spinks shared the ring with some of the greatest heavyweights of all time, including ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson and Larry Holmes.

Spinks had an impressive professional career which began back in 1977, just one year after he captured an Olympic Gold Medal at the 1976 Games in Montreal, Canada.

He initially campaigned at light-heavyweight, reigning as the undisputed champion at 175lbs between 1983 and 1985 before he eventually made the move up to heavyweight.

He became the first man to defeat Larry Holmes when they locked horns for the IBF heavyweight title in 1985, following this up with another victory in their rematch seven months later.

Spinks suffered the only defeat in his career to Mike Tyson in what would go on to be the 32nd and final fight of his tenure in the summer of 1988. Tyson blasted Spinks out in the opening round of their bout in Atlantic City, losing out on the opportunity to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.

In an interview with The Ring Magazine, Spinks was asked to reveal who he believed was the better fighter between Tyson and Holmes, having shared the ring with both men and had no doubt it was ‘Iron’ Mike.

“Tyson had to be the best because he beat Larry Holmes and me.”

‘Iron’ Mike proved himself to be one of, if not the most formidable fighter of all time. He rose to prominence during the mid eighties, going on to become the youngest heavyweight champion of all time in 1986 when he stopped WBC champion Trevor Berbick in the second round of their bout.