Cory wins. Taylor's success as mostly based on his edge in speed but against Spinks that would be minimal. Spinks would stay outside and score with his jab often enough to capture a commanding decision
wow, Im surprised by this consensus I think Taylor completely outworks Spinks and wins a commanding decision, hes a far superior fighter and Spinks defense consisted entirely of running, holding and twisting with almost no offense to speak of... Spinks was barely able to cope with Ricardo Mayorga's caveman offense, I find it laughable that he would be able to sufficently suppress the smooth, rapid-fire offense of Meldrick Taylor and Taylor would have no respect for him at all, nothing to be deterred by
Right and wrong!! Taylor definitely wouldn't have stopped Spinks...but I do believe his activity and speed would enable him to outpoint him.
It's easy to dismiss the 147 lb version of Taylor since it was post-Chavez. But put this fight in 1991 and replace Davis with Spinks, and it's not very hard to envision Taylor winning and probably with room to spare. The biggest difference being that he wouldn't have to run for for his life in the championship rounds like he did that night.
Spinks is a big fighter, and has been in there with some big dogs, I have trouble imagining such a skilled boxer being so deterred by a 140 pounder.
Yeah a blown up welterweight version of Zab Judah posed no threat to Spinks...except when he knocked him silly the first time and knocked him out in the rematch. I'll take Taylor. I think he would outwork and rough up Cory.
Excuse me I meant Jr. welter but my point stands. Zab's speed and pop gave Cory fits. Taylor didn't have Zab's power but he was as fast or faster and had a much better workrate and stamina. Taylor's offense would stifle Spinks. Like other folks have said Cory's lack of power would make Taylor very, very brave. Cory would have his moments but Taylor would outwork and outspeed him.
First off, he beat Judah. Secondly, Judah was hardly a 140lber. His progression to 147 was an inevitable one...
Taylor was a heavier boned, physically stronger man than Zab. Taylor moved up because he absolutely couldnt make 140 anymore. Zab moved up more or less by choice, as evident by the fact that he's able to drop back down now to 140. Zab was by far more natural, and better at 140.
As was once written about Corey Spinks....."He has fast hands, great defense, no power, and all his teeth. Are we sure this is Leons kid?" Taylor by WIDE decision. Too active, too many punches, and absolutely no chance of being stopped.
