From the archive · April 11, 1982
Michael Spinks vs Murray Sutherland 2
WBA World Light Heavyweight Title · Playboy Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey
Record 19-0-0 · 172 lb
Record 31-6-0 · 173¾ lb
The fight
Michael Spinks made his third defense of the WBA Light Heavyweight title against Murray Sutherland on April 11, 1982, at Atlantic City's Playboy Hotel & Casino. The CBS-televised bout was a rematch between the two fighters, with Sutherland entering with a 31-6-0 record against Spinks' undefeated 19-0-0 ledger.
Under referee Zach Clayton's supervision, Spinks, weighing 172 pounds, dominated the 173¾-pound Sutherland before forcing a stoppage in the eighth round of the scheduled fifteen. The Butch Lewis-promoted event marked Spinks' second appearance in less than two months, following his February defense against Mustafa Wasajja.
The victory improved Spinks' record to 20-0 with 14 knockouts, maintaining his perfect professional record and 68% knockout ratio. For Sutherland, it marked his second defeat to the champion, unable to reverse the outcome of their previous encounter.