38 years ago
Michael Spinks vs Larry Holmes II
Date: 19th April 1986
Venue: Las Vegas Hilton, Hilton Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USATitle: IBF World Heavyweight Title
Promoter: Butch Lewis Productions, Dynamic Duo Inc, Don King Productions
Referee: Mills Lane
Tv: HBO
Michael Spinks
(
28
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 205 lbs
Larry Holmes
(
48
-
1
-
0
)
Weight: 223 lbs
On April 19, 1986, Michael Spinks and Larry Holmes met for the second time at the Las Vegas Hilton, with Spinks defending the IBF Heavyweight Title he had claimed in their first encounter. Holmes, seeking vindication after his controversial loss in September 1985, entered the ring as the betting favourite, while Spinks aimed to prove his prior victory was no fluke. The fight attracted a crowd of 8,328 and was broadcast live on HBO.
The bout opened cautiously, with Spinks adopting a defensive strategy, moving laterally to avoid Holmes' right hand. Holmes pressed forward and dominated the early rounds, winning the first four on all official scorecards. Spinks threw few punches in the opening rounds, biding his time and frustrating Holmes with his elusive movement.
Spinks began to assert himself in the fifth round, using his jab and left hooks to back Holmes up. This momentum shift continued through the middle rounds, with Spinks landing more effectively as Holmes' pace slowed. Holmes still demonstrated moments of control but was visibly less sharp than during his early dominance.
The later rounds saw the action intensify. Holmes rallied in the 14th, landing a right hand that caused Spinks' knees to buckle, but he could not capitalize fully. Spinks responded in the final round, displaying renewed energy and maintaining enough activity to edge the round on two official scorecards. The fighters embraced at the conclusion, acknowledging the gruelling nature of their contest.
When the judges' scores were announced, the split decision favoured Spinks: 144-141 and 144-142 in his favour, with one judge scoring 144-141 for Holmes. Unofficial scorecards among ringside media were divided, with many observers believing Holmes had done enough to win. Nevertheless, Spinks retained his title, becoming the first light heavyweight champion to defend the heavyweight crown successfully.
The loss marked Holmes's second consecutive defeat. Holmes had reigned as heavyweight champion for over seven years before facing Spinks. Visibly emotional after the decision, Holmes announced his retirement, expressing frustration with the sport and its judging. For his part, Spinks credited his victory to tactical adjustments and mental preparation, underscoring his belief in his place among boxing's elite.
Like their first meeting, this second meeting generated significant debate and left an enduring impact on heavyweight boxing. It solidified Spinks' legacy as a two-division champion while signalling the end of Holmes' dominance in the sport.
Michael Spinks vs Larry Holmes 2 on YouTube
