Billed as “Once and For All,” the fight between the two undefeated heavyweights was viewed as the next generation’s version of Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier. While it wasn’t exactly that, the fight was significant for Mike Tyson’s growth.
Tyson, 21 at the time, was the unified heavyweight champion. Spinks, the Ring Champion, was coming off two wins against Larry Holmes and one against Gerry Cooney. He was considered the lineal champion.
It was a fight to determine the “real” champion. Tyson earned over $20 million, massive at the time. The fight didn’t last as long, as Tyson mauled Spinks, dropping him twice, the last time ending the fight in 91 seconds. It was the pinnacle of Tyson’s career and created his reputation as the most feared man in the sport, while Spinks retired shortly after.
MORE: Back to The Sporting News’ 140 Greatest Sports Moments of All Time
SN COVERS: Check out all the classics from Ty Cobb to Kobe Bryant
SN ARCHIVE: Relive sports history through the pages of The Sporting News
Read the full article here