Michael Spinks vs. Dwight Muhammad Qawi set for September 27 of 1984, but it was cancelled after Qawi was injured during training, three weeks before the fight. Spinks went on to become the first world light heavyweight champion in boxing history to go up in weight and win the world heavyweight title. Qawi, for his part, went up to the cruiserweight division, where he reigned as WBA world champion from 1985 to 1986. Both fighters are now members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Confirmed bouts: Michael Spinks vs. Dwight Muhammad Qawi Michael Spinks vs. Dwight Muhammad Qawi, billed as "The Brawl for it All",
Mike Tyson vs. Michael Spinks and then successfully defended his title against Steffen Tangstad. Instead of defending his IBF title against top contender Tony Tucker, Spinks elected to take a more lucrative fight with former contender Gerry Cooney, who had fought three times in five years, in June 1987. The IBF responded by stripping Spinks of the title, but he was still in possession of the lineal and "Ring" titles and was considered by many to still be the rightful champion. Mike Tyson turned professional in 1985 and won his first 19 fights by knockout, quickly garnering media attention and establishing an "aura of invincibility".