This is the next of my blog series ‘Mythical Matchups’. This bout is between two Light Heavyweight Champions, Michael Spinks and Archie Moore. My imaginary bouts all take place in Las Vegas at the Caesar’s Palace Outdoor Arena, with the great Mills Lane as the referee.
Michael Spinks was born on July 22, 1956. He had a celebrated amateur career that culminated with him winning the gold medal in the middleweight division at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. Reluctant to turn professional, he eventually did, capturing his first light heavyweight title on July 18, 1981 by winning a decision over Eddie Mustafa Muhammad in Las Vegas. He added the WBC title by beating Dwight Muhammad Qawi on March 18, 1983 in Atlantic City. He defended his belts four more times until June of 1985, finished his career as a light heavyweight with a record of 27-0, 19 by knockout.
Archie Moore was born on December 13, 1913 in Benoit, Mississippi. After a rough childhood, Archie began a short amateur career, before turning professional. He finally got a title shot at age 39 vs. Joey Maxim in December of 1952, and won a unanimous decision. He would fight at both light heavyweight and heavyweight for many years, but retained his light heavyweight crown all the while. He had one of the longest careers in boxing history, finally retiring with a total of 220 bouts, and a record of 186-23-10, and 1 NC.
Michael Spinks could both box and punch as a light heavyweight. His ‘Spink Jinx’ was a powerful right hand that stopped many opponents, but his left hook and jab were great too. He held the championship for four years, facing all comers and displaying his superior boxing talent along the way,
Archie ‘The Mongoose’ Moore, had tremendous stamina, was crafty and could punch as well. To me his career is many ways is the most incredible I’ve ever seen, because of the longevity of it, and the fact that he was competitive until he was 52 years old.
This fight matches up the two best light heavyweights in history, and would certainly have been a tactical one. I see Michael Spinks staying on the outside, sticking a jab in Moore’s face, but also struggling with Archie’s awkward style and punching power. No doubt it goes the 12 round distance, with Spinks winning a close, but unanimous decision.
Michael Spinks retired after losing to Mike Tyson in 1988 at age 32, with a record of 31-1, and 21 knockouts. He was inducted into the IBHOF in 1994, as deserving as any fighter could be. Archie Moore passed away on December 13, 1998 after one of the greatest boxing careers in history. He was a terrific trainer after his fighting days were through, and a sage of wisdom for a generation of fighters who were smart enough to listen to him. He was a first ballot hall of famer in 1990, and leaves a legacy second to none.
A fight between the two legends would have been a classic, and is one I can only write and speculate about. My passion is ‘Old-Time Boxing’, and writing this blog is a love that comes from the heart, and would not be possible without one thing. The fighters of boxing history.
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