Michael Spinks set up training camp for his bout with Gerry Cooney at the Trump Castle Casino Hotel in Atlantic City. I had the privilege to see him train in person for the last two weeks or so before the fight. His camp was set up in a glass florist shop outside the hotel that had been converted into a boxing gym. It was a perfect place for fans to watch him train without interrupting his work.
He would spar, work the bags, jump rope and finish with stomach crunches on the floor. He looked like he had bulked up, and I was confident that he could handle the much bigger Cooney. I took plenty of pictures to have as a keepsake of my chance to see one of my favorite all time fighters in person.
I was a regular and stopped to meet Michael a few times after his training sessions to get a snapshot with him. He was very cordial and friendly, especially the second time I asked for a picture. His trainer Nelson Brison took the shot, and he and the champ thanked me for coming to watch him. Michael put his arm around my shoulder as the pic was snapped, and it still remains as one of all time favorites.
I went home after my last time to see him train more excited than ever, counting the days until his June 15th bout, nicknamed ‘The War at the Shore’.
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