American light-heavyweight and heavyweight champion whose undefeated record in the light-heavyweight division and professional victory over Mike Tyson cemented his legacy as one of boxing's most underrated champions.
Michael Spinks became the first light heavyweight champion to win the heavyweight title when he defeated Larry Holmes in 1985. An intelligent, technical fighter trained by Eddie Futch, Spinks used his movement and angles to neutralise the larger Holmes twice. His brief but significant heavyweight career ended with a first-round knockout loss to Mike Tyson in 1988, but his light heavyweight legacy — where he went undefeated — is one of the division's finest.
Only light heavyweight to win heavyweight title
How They Played
Technical boxer with excellent footwork and counter-punching
Lasting Impact
First fighter to take heavyweight title from undefeated champion