Michael Sphinks

[Uturn]

Why did this guy retire after the loss to Tyson? was the defeat that crushing? Why he didn't have a couple more fights at HW or even move down to CW?

[jabsRstiff]

Why did this guy retire after the loss to Tyson? was the defeat that crushing? Why he didn't have a couple more fights at HW or even move down to CW?

He made his money, made a little history, and wanted to get out with his health. He did exactly what top fighters should do.

It's unfortunate, however, that a lot of people who don't really know boxing only know of his awful night with Tyson. Spinks was great fighter, one of the best 175lbers in history, and at that weight he was one of the best punchers I had ever seen.

[NChristo]

He retired for a short time before he signed to fight Tyson as well and also what would be the point in him continuing really ?, he cleaned out 175 making his mark there, went on to become the Heavyweight champ and made plenty of money a long the way.

He got out at the perfect time imo, something not a lot of boxers do and end up paying for it..

[jabsRstiff]

When you think about what Spinks accomplished...wow-

Won a gold medal at the '76 Olympics.

Won a 175lb crown from Eddie M. Muhammad, then unified the crown against the awesome Dwight Braxton/Qawi.

Moved up to heavy and became the first 175lber to win that crown, and he did so against a great, though aged, Larry Holmes.

Guy was unbelievably good.

[NChristo]

When you think about what Spinks accomplished...wow-

Won a gold medal at the '76 Olympics.

Won a 175lb crown from Eddie M. Muhammad, then unified the crown against the awesome Dwight Braxton/Qawi.

Moved up to heavy and became the first 175lber to win that crown, and he did so against a great, though aged, Larry Holmes.

Guy was unbelievably good.

Yeah, he was incredible.

To run through such a strong era of LHWs and remain undefeated is just amazing, would of liked to see him come a few years earlier though and catch Saad, what a fight that would've been.

[jabsRstiff]

Yeah, he was incredible.

To run through such a strong era of LHWs and remain undefeated is just amazing, would of liked to see him come a few years earlier though and catch Saad, what a fight that would've been.

I loved Saad (I'm a Philadelphian) as much as any fighter I've followed...but I think even at his best Spinks was too good and just punched way too hard for Saad, as tough as he was, to hang with him.

What an era the late 70's/early 80's were for the 175lb division...

My favorite punch of all time was the left hook/uppercut Spinks took Marvin Johnson out with. Sheer beauty.

[IronDanHamza]

Micheal Spinks was a great fighter and exceptional talent.

Your question has pretty much been answered so I won't echo whats been said.

He is one of the greatest Light Heavyweights of all time and one of the most outright talented fighters I have ever witnessed.

[NChristo]

I loved Saad (I'm a Philadelphian) as much as any fighter I've followed...but I think even at his best Spinks was too good and just punched way too hard for Saad, as tough as he was, to hang with him.

What an era the late 70's/early 80's were for the 175lb division...

My favorite punch of all time was the left hook/uppercut Spinks took Marvin Johnson out with. Sheer beauty.

I know, don't think I'd favor any LHW over Spinks, he's evens with quite a few but I wouldn't feel comfortable choosing any over him, the Spinks ''Jinx'' gives anyone problems, way too awkward, talented and as you said he's such a big puncher. What a fight it would of been with Saad though.

On the topic of favourite punches and Saad, mine is the left uppercut Saad knock Lottie Mwale out with, is kinda scary to watch.

[Forza]

Tyson got lucky spinks had a panic attack that night. Spinks with the right mindset would have given tyson a buster douglas type beat down if he boxed correctly.

[Wild Blue Yonda]

A magically-gifted LHW. A rather mediocre HW.