I think Spinks had a combination of things he was dealing with. 1st he was facing the most devastatingly explosive Heavyweight history had ever seen to that point and that guy was in his most peak prime. Knowing that fact presents an ominus opponent to deal with. There's one thing when having caution for facing the toughest opponennt youve ever faced and respecting his prowess. Its another to then know you're gonna be facing a crazy streetborn thug motherfucker that would just as soon stab you in an alley or kick your ass in a ring in front of millions. By the time Michael Spinks stepped in the ring with Mike, he didnt so much as roll over for Tyson, but he was definitely looking for a way out as soon as the inevitable caught up with him, (which was Mike Tyson hitting him). I think he was worrying about all those other things and didnt bother to really try to compete. He didnt want to be in there, I think he was concerned for his life, because Mike WAS the boogieman. Not to mention, Tyson was so damn good at that moment.
i was never impressed, and i've never been convinced by fighters who win by a lot of early kayoes, it's one dimension of the game.
Spinks is one of the greatest LHWs of all time. Against Tyson, aside from being terrified, he faced a guy that was fast, hard punching, and more imposing physically. After this fight Tyson split with his original team to sign with King, so in my opinion on this night he was at his peak, not so much because he faced a great opponent but because he began to lose the discipline and dedication that made him great.
great small man against a naturally greater talent who was bigger, what's the surprise. Spinks was slow of foot and hand, never really packed a punch at heavyweight and hadn't shown he could absorb a heavyweights punishment. Holmes really should have never lost to him in the first place but Larry took him for granted the first time, talked enough shit to lose a close decision the next. anyone remember?
Tyson had plenty of late T/KOs that came on his conquest of the HWT division that led to his devastating KO of Spinks.
sure, he had a small spate of decisions sprinkled in there too, he wasn't george foreman no, but the perforamnce we're discussing proved nothing to me. he did what he should have done. go out and blitz him, he's faster, stronger, bigger, hits harder, younger, just take him out.
I think it was the paycheck.
