The accolade of the first brothers both to become world heavyweight champions acted as a further dangling carrot inside the intimidating cage that Holmes has occupied since 1978. Michael’s brother, Leon, had become the world heavyweight champion seven years prior in a split decision victory over Muhammad Ali. Spinks had another slice of history in mind. Rocky Marciano stopped Archie Moore in 1955 Joe Frazier and Muhamad Ali stopped Bob Foster in 19, respectively Joe Louis stopped Billy Conn in 19 all enforcing the old boxing adage that “a good biggun will always beat a good littlun”. The 29-year-old was stepping into the unknown territory of the heavyweight division, looking to become the first 175-pounder to defeat a heavyweight for a version of the world title. “Jinx” had gone 27-0 as a professional, unifying the light-heavyweight division against Eddie Davis in 1984 and defending the IBF, WBA and WBC belts twice against David Sears and Jim MacDonald. “The Easton Assassin” had succeeded in nineteen heavyweight world title fights before deciding to duke it out with Spinks for a reported $3 million.Ī unanimous decision over Carl Williams just four months prior put Holmes on the cusp of Rocky Marciano’s infamous 49-0 record one more victory would see him tie Marciano’s accomplishment and Holmes couldn’t resist the accolade. Larry Holmes had toyed with retirement over a previous couple of years. On September 21, 1985, a 35-year-old Larry Holmes and the undisputed light-heavyweight champion Michael Spinks both put their unbeaten records on the line inside Las Vegas’ Riviera Hotel & Casino.
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