In what was a huge upset, former gold medalist Leon Spinks sensationally beat Muhammad Ali for the first and only time on February 15th, 1978. Spinks won two of the scorecards 145–140 and 144–141. The third was scored 142–143. At that point, the reflexes, speed and general dynamism of “The Greatest” was nearly absent which led to Muhammad losing his WBA, WBC and The Ring belts. However, he managed to set a new record when he regained them in the rematch later on in September of that same year and became the first heavyweight boxer to win the heavyweight championship three times.
But what if Spinks had won again? How would that have affected what unfolded as we now know them?
Well, for starters Ali was again the favourite to beat the heavyweight novice who only had eight professional fights so far at that point. It is highly likely that Ali would have announced his retirement from boxing, just as he did after he beat Spinks. But another loss would have likely made that decision even easier to make.
Spinks vacated the WBC crown after his first fight with Ali after he refused to face Ken Norton in a title defense. But still being the holder of the WBA title, either John Tate or Gerrie Coetzee would have been the next in line to campaign for it.
Once 1980 rolled around, Ali would have had time to rest and think about what he would like to do and maybe promoter Don King tempting Ali back into the ring to face Larry Holmes would have still went ahead considering the $8,000,000 was the highest amount offered in his career.
In terms of legacy, that is hard to envision for Spinks. Looking over his general career, it isn’t that remarkable on paper. He enjoyed a number of win streaks throughout while also suffering from some runs of losses, too. Ali was already an established name by the time 1978 came along. And he was long already considered the face of boxing. I don’t think his legacy would have been tarnished severely, with fans coming to the conclusion that father time had just caught up with him. That happens to most fighters who stick around long enough. It is doubtful that Spinks would have still managed to create a meaningful one despite winning gold as an amateur.
While these things can be fun to ponder from time to time, the general landscape of the heavyweight division would have largely remained the same.
