Originally posted by The Iron Man
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You're mention of Bruno is interesting because I like Bruno a lot and tend to think more highly of him then most people I talk to. Spinks is also an interesting case because in the first fight he beat (barely) an out of shape an out of shape and unmotivated Holmes and in the second he LOST to Holmes and was given a gift decision. Against Tyson he entered the ring looking for a soft place to lay down. Of the others you mentioned, Biggs was NOT a world class fighter and should never have been allowed a title shot. Thomas WAS a good fighter but was in and out rehab at the time of the Tyson fight and in no way resembled his former self. Holmes was clearly past it and coming off a two year layoff with no tune-ups and he STILL made Tyson look foolish at times in that fight. Ruddock I like but I understand his limitations. Actually Tyson impressed me more in the Ruddock fights than any of his fights as champion. I thought he put on a helluva a performance against Razor both times, and Ruddock acquitted himself quit well too.
As for Johnsons opposition go to BoxRec.com and print it out or make a copy. Look for the guys Johnson fought before he lifted the title from Burns: Many of them are the great black fighters from that era. These are by all accounts truly great fighters who no one knows about because they couldn't get passed the color barrier.
Poet
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