Spinks had defeated an underprepared Ali in Las Vegas despite having only seven professional fights. Ali treated the rematch as his final championship stand. Spinks handled his sudden fame much differently.
The 25-year-old champion missed training time, disappeared from camp, and surrounded himself with an oversized entourage. His corner became divided by competing advisers. The disorganization reached an almost comical level when his team forgot basic supplies on fight day.
Spinks had youth, stamina, and confidence. Ali had discipline. That difference decided the “Battle of New Orleans” before either man rea
