Holmes and Spinks Trade Some Heavy Compliments

Larry Holmes and Michael Spinks traded compliments Wednesday three weeks before they meet for Holmes’ International Boxing Federation crown.

Holmes seeks to tie Rocky Marciano’s record of 49-0 record 30 years to the day after Marciano completed his career by knocking out Archie Moore.

“I have a lot of respect for Michael,” said Holmes of Easton, Pa. “I respect him for being one of the best light heavyweights of my time. Not for one day am I taking him lightly.”

Holmes added that Spinks has never fought a good heavyweight.

“There are a lot of heavyweights out there who aren’t as good (as Spinks),” he said.

Spinks (27-0) joined in the mutual admiration society by calling Holmes a “great, great champion.”

Spinks said he did not know what he will weigh for the bout. When asked what he has been eating to bulk up his 175-pound frame, he said, “Oh, I’ve been eating rocks, transmissions, fenders.”

He said he believes the Sept. 21 bout will go the scheduled 15 rounds.

Spinks would be the first light heavyweight to capture the heavyweight crown. Six others have tried and failed, including Bob Foster, who was stopped by Joe Frazier in the second round of the most recent challenge by a light heavyweight champ in 1970.

Holmes, 35, won the World Boxing Council heavyweight title June 9, 1978, by winning a 15-round decision over Ken Norton. He resigned his WBC title in 1983 and accepted the designation of IBF champion.

In his last outing, Holmes won a 15-round decision over Carl Williams May 20 in Reno.

The Spinks’ bout, to be held in a specially built, 10,000 seat outdoor arena at the Riviera Hotel, will be Holmes’ 20th title defense.

Spinks, 29, of Philadelphia, won the World Boxing Association light heavyweight title with a 15-round decision over Eddie Mustafa Muhammad July 18, 1981. He later added the WBC and IBF light heavyweight crowns.