On June 27, 1988, Mike Tyson and Michael Spinks were to meet at Atlantic City Convention Hall for the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship of the World. While Tyson held all of the belts, Michael Spinks was still considered the Lineal Champion by some. Spinks had won the title in September of 1985 by defeating Larry Holmes, then won a rematch, and two other bouts as a heavyweight. His last fight was on June 15, 1987 vs. Gerry Cooney, which he won via a 5th round knockout. Tyson had won the WBC championship on November 22, 1986 with a destructive 2 round knockout of Trevor Berbick, then added the WBA and IBF belts to his trophy case as well.
I was a huge Michael Spinks at the time, and had been since 1980. After unifying the titles at light-heavyweight, he moved up to heavyweight to make some money. I saw him train in person on a number of occasions, and hoped the Tyson bout would never take place. Unfortunately, it was set, so I made the 15 mile drive to the Spectrum in South Philadelphia that Monday evening in 1988, knowing it was going to be a short night. Michael didn’t possess the firepower to keep Tyson off of him, and I knew it would be a matter of time.
As I sat in my seat on the floor of the Spectrum that night, my worst fears came true. It was all over in about 90 seconds, with Tyson knocking Michael out for the first time as a professional. I leapt from my seat and yelled “Son of a bitch!”, then hurried from the arena without listening to any of the post-fight interviews.
Michael always said “As soon as I find an exit from boxing, I’m gonna take it.” He found it that night, and never stepped into the ring again.
What bothers me is that is all a lot of people know Spinks for. He is one of the top 2 light-heavyweights of all-time in my opinion, and only moved up in weight class for the huge paydays.
Whenever June 27th rolls around every year, I think of that fight, one I wish had never taken place.
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