How would a prime Leon Spinks do against Ezzard Charles?

[brocktonblockbust]

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?

[Master]

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.

[brocktonblockbust]

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?

[Master]

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.

[brocktonblockbust]

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.

[greynotsoold]

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.

[brocktonblockbust]

yeah I often thought he intentionally threw that 1st Spinks fight as well. How would you rate Spinks' punching power? He landed many shots flush but of course Ali absorbed them.

[greynotsoold]

He couldn't hit hardly at all- a push-puncher and a flailer.

[Buzz Bomb]

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.

Exactly.

Cincinatti Cobra venomizes(word? lol) Spinks.

Not even close. I loves me some Ezzard.