Thread: How would a prime Leon Spinks do against Ezzard Charles?

Leon did have a few bright shining moments, he had to have SOME boxing skill when he beat a 36 yr old Ali, atleast. Could a coked-out Leon in his prime pose any threat to 185/190 pound greats like Charles, Moore, or even guys like Marvin Johnson at 175?

I think Leon Spinks went down in weight and was unsuccesful there too. Michael Spinks v Ezzard Charles, Archie Moore and Marvin Johnson would be a better thread, also against Bob Foster.

true he was somewhat unsuccessful, but didnt get blown away as much like he did vs Coetzee and Holmes. He actually had 2 or 3 decent wins but then really tanked. I just wish I could see prime Spinks in 1st Ali fight against a guy like the Charles who fought Marciano, being a bit battle worn. Same goes for Buster Douglas on his prime night vs Tyson----how would he fare against, say, Evander Holyfield? I think prime Douglas would fare rather better than he did when he actually DID fight Holyfield.

yeah yooure right that Charles/Johnson is more competitive. I sometimes like matching fighters that normally arent matched. Here;s another one: how about prime Gerry Cooney (when he fought Holmes) vs Sonny Liston?

Cooney had a huge left hook and size but Liston would probably handle that and beat him.

Douglas was favourite to beat Holyfield because of his performance against Tyson.

aagreed. Cooney's left hook and height/weight may pose a problem in the 1st 2 rounds for Liston but then Liston's jabs to the body would start to suck the life out of Gerry's back and wind and stamina.

On the worst night of his career, Ezzard Charles would toy with any version of Leon Spinks that ever existed. I've always thought that Ali- who, at 36 would've been way overmatched against a 36 year old Walcott or Moore- gave away that fight so he could, in a guaranteed rematch, become the first to regain the HW title twice.
Liston beats Cooney pretty easily, even if he eats a couple left hooks on the way. Somebody once described Cooney as a "game quitter" and I think that is accurate.