Mention the name Spinks in the year 1980 and the name that came to mind was Michael, the younger brother of the brief heavyweight champion Leon.
Michael had also been an Olympic gold medalist in Montreal in 1976, but had no desire to turn professional. However when working as a janitor in his native St. Louis, and being yelled at by his boss, he decided to turn pro after all.
The first time I recall seeing Michael fight was in October against tough Yaqui Lopez in Atlantic City. Michael’s punching power and personality struck a cord with me, and I had another favorite to follow.
On March 28,1981, I remember watching his fight with my dad against ex champ Marvin Johnson in Atlantic City. The winner was next in line for a title shot, and I was excited as the fight on ABC began. The fight was fairly close until the 4th round when a tremendous left uppercut knocked Johnson cold. I ran outside to tell my my dad before he left to go out to dinner with my mom, and the excitement resonated in my voice! Michael was going to be the next great light heavyweight champion in my book, no doubt.
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