Michael Spinks vs Steffen Tangstad

On September 6, 1986, Michael Spinks defended his IBF Heavyweight Title against Steffen Tangstad at the Las Vegas Hilton in a fight heavily criticized for its perceived mismatch. Spinks, making his second defence of the belt, was a 7½ to 1 favourite. Tangstad, the European Heavyweight Champion, was relatively unknown in the United States and entered as the IBF's 12th-ranked contender, chosen by Spinks' camp over higher-ranked opponents due to disagreements over purse splits.

The fight attracted 5,832 spectators and generated a gate of over $1 million, with HBO broadcasting the event. Spinks received a $1 million purse, while Tangstad earned $50,000 plus Scandinavian broadcasting rights. Despite Spinks' insistence that he took Tangstad seriously, most observers expected a straightforward victory for the champion.

The opening round was competitive, with Tangstad taking the round on two judges' scorecards, showing surprising composure early. However, Spinks quickly adjusted, taking control in the second round and asserting his dominance. By the third round, the disparity in skill became evident. With just over a minute remaining in the round, Spinks landed a series of punches, culminating in a mighty right hand that floored Tangstad for the first time. Though Tangstad recovered quickly, he was clearly struggling to match Spinks' pace and power.

The fourth round proved decisive. Spinks dropped Tangstad early with a short left hand during an exchange at close range. Tangstad, visibly shaken, rose at the count of eight, only to be sent down again moments later by another left from Spinks. Bleeding from the nose and clearly outmatched, Tangstad informed referee Richard Steele he could not continue. Steele stopped the fight at 58 seconds of the fourth round, awarding Spinks the win via technical knockout.

Tangstad never fought again after this defeat, retiring with his reputation as a solid European-level fighter intact but without further opportunities on the world stage. Spinks, meanwhile, controversially exited the heavyweight unification series to face Gerry Cooney, leading to a legal dispute with HBO. Ultimately, Spinks' win over Tangstad is remembered as a necessary step in his heavyweight campaign, though the fight drew criticism for its predictability and lack of competitiveness.