Michael Spinks vs Vonzell Johnson

Michael Spinks made the first defense of his WBA Light Heavyweight crown against Vonzell Johnson on November 7, 1981, at the Playboy Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. The undefeated champion, weighing 173 pounds, entered the ring with a perfect 17-0 record against Johnson's 22-2.

The CBS-televised bout, promoted by Butch Lewis, showcased Spinks' growing mastery of the division. Under referee Larry Hazzard's supervision, Spinks gradually broke down his challenger over six rounds before forcing the stoppage at 1:13 of the seventh round in what was scheduled as a fifteen-round championship contest.

Johnson, who came in at 174¼ pounds, found himself unable to cope with Spinks' unique fighting style and punching power. The champion's performance validated his status as the division's premier fighter, ending matters well before the scheduled fifteen-round distance. The victory marked the first successful defense of the title Spinks had claimed from Eddie Mustafa Muhammad earlier that year.