I don't think there's any doubt that Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson were the two top heavyweights of the 1980s, and both are certified all-time greats.

The question is, who was the 3rd best of the 80s?

The contenders: Mike Weaver, Tim Witherspoon, Michael Dokes, Greg Page, Gerry Cooney, Gerrie Coetzee, Trevor Berbick, Pinklon Thomas, Tony Tubbs and Carl Williams.

Of that lot I'd say Witherspoon has the best Case.

Holmes defeated 5 of those guys but Witherspoon gave him the best fight when Larry was still a great fighter. Witherspoon posted the best wins among them circa 1980-89 and he's the most complete fighter of the group regarding what they brought to the ring.

It's a close call but after much thought, if the 70s were Ali, Foreman, Frazier - I say the 80s are Holmes, Tyson and Witherspoon.

Picture: Holmes vs Witherspoon circa May 1983.- by Frank Lotierzo