Throwback Thursday: Mike Tyson vs. Michael Spinks

The battle between Mike Tyson and Michael Spinks was billed as a "Once And For All" boxing title fight and "Iron" Mike Tyson ensured there would be no need for a rematch.

Heading into the contest, Mike Tyson held the WBA, WBC, and IBF world heavyweight titles, while Michael Spinks was the Ring and lineal champion. Both boxers were undefeated and staked their claim as the best heavyweight boxer on the planet. Numerous former and current boxers picked sides with numerous people believing Michael Spinks would take out the formidable Mike Tyson with his superior boxing technique.

Minutes before the match began, Butch Lewis (Michael Spinks' manager) caused a commotion backstage when he noticed a bump in Mike Tyson's glove. Butch Lewis called in Eddie Futch (Michael Spinks' trainer) to look over Mike Tyson's gloves and luckily, the fight proceeded as planned.

The fight began with Mike Tyson landing one of his trademark thunderous left hooks, causing Michael Spinks to think twice about firing back. Mike Tyson continued to swarm Michael Spinks and eventually forced him against the ropers where Mike Tyson uncorked his signature uppercut-hook combination. The hook to the body dropped Michael Spinks to a knee, the first time Michael Spinks had been sent to the canvas.

Michael Spinks arose and indicated that he was okay to referee Frank Cappuccino. However, a subsequent combination from Mike Tyson sent Michael Spinks crashing to the canvas and he was unable to answer the referee's 10 count. The bout lasted just 91 seconds.

The boxing match was the richest fight in boxing up until that point, grossing approximately $70 million. Michael Spinks would retire after the fight and Mike Tyson would make two more title defenses before losing in shocking fashion to James "Buster" Douglas in 1990.