Michael Spinks (31-1, 21 KOs) is arguably one of the most underrated heavyweight boxers. He holds the record – of being the only undefeated boxer in history, at light heavyweight. Spinks was dominant in many fights, as he utilised his superb jab. He also carried impressive power in both hands, meaning it was difficult to read where his power punches would come from. Despite his defeat to Mike Tyson, Spinks enjoyed a brilliant career, which saw him knock out many opponents with his famous overhand right dubbed “The Spinks Jinx.”
We love a bit of nostalgia at Big Fight Weekend and decided it was time we paid homage to Michael “Jinx” Spinks.
5 Memorable Michael Spinks Fights
Michael Spinks vs. Larry Holmes I
Spinks made history on September 21, 1985, as he defeated Larry Holmes via 15 round unanimous decision. Both fighters came into the contest with undefeated records, but the backdrop to the fight was Holmes aiming to equal the 49 – 0 record of the legendary heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano. “Jinx” boxed diligently throughout, confusing Holmes with his ability to punch from a variety of angles, which saw him win the IBF and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles.
Michael Spinks vs. Eddie Mustafa Muhammad
On July 18, 1981, the then top-ranked contender Spinks went up against WBA light-heavyweight champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad in Las Vegas. “Jinx” boxed impressively in the second half of the fight after falling behind on the scorecards early on. Spinks punished Muhammad in the final few rounds, including inflicting a knockdown in round twelve. The victory saw the Missouri native win the WBA light heavyweight title.
Michael Spinks vs. Eddie Davis
On February 25, 1984, Spinks successfully retained his WBA, WBC, and Ring Magazine light-heavyweight titles and won the IBF light-heavyweight title – with a 12-round unanimous decision victory against Eddie Davis. Spinks was on top for most of the fight, landing left hooks and overhand rights, which Davis struggled to deal with. The challenger had his moments, but “Jinx” did more than enough to get the decision with his excellent work in the first half of the fight, proving the difference.
Murray Sutherland II
Michael Spinks defeated Murray Sutherland on April 11, 1982, via 8th-round TKO in their rematch, which saw the Missouri native defend his WBA light-heavyweight title. Spinks took control of the contest in round six and was zapping the energy from the challenger with his damaging left jab. The ending came in round 8 with “Jinx” staggering Sutherland with a series of left hooks and right crosses, which forced the challenger to the canvas. Despite beating the count, the beating continued, with Spinks landing a beautifully timed uppercut, ending the fight.
Dwight Muhammad Qawi
Spinks had recently lost his wife, but on March 18, 1983, “Jinx” performed brilliantly in beating Dwight Muhammad Qawi via 15-round unanimous decision. He used his jab superbly throughout – throwing accurate crosses and hooks – which forced Qawi to defend first. Qawi did score a knockdown in round 8 and looked for the knockout as the fight progressed, but Spinks evaded Qawi’s power punches and saw the fight out to win, with the judges scorecards reading 144–140, 144–141, and 144–141, all for Spinks. The win saw “Jinx” defend his WBA light-heavyweight title and win the WBC and Ring Magazine light-heavyweight titles.
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