“No Tune-Up Needed!” – Joshua Suggests Bivol Could Make History Like Spinks

In a bold and insightful Instagram Story, Anthony Joshua gave flowers to one of boxing’s greatest underappreciated feats: Michael Spinks moving up from light heavyweight and defeating Larry Holmes—twice. With a few simple lines, Joshua reignited the discussion about what it means to be a true champion and called on modern boxers to take bigger risks, bolder leaps, and do away with so-called “tune-up fights.”

The message wasn’t just about Spinks. It was also a subtle challenge directed at Dmitry Bivol, the reigning light heavyweight champion, suggesting that Bivol could mirror Spinks’ legendary rise by moving up and taking on the giants of the heavyweight division—no warm-up, no soft target, just championship-caliber fights.

Joshua’s words carry weight—not only because of his own status as a former unified heavyweight champion, but because they highlight a lost mentality: the willingness to chase greatness without excuses.

Michael Spinks: The Blueprint of Bravery

When Michael Spinks made the move from light heavyweight to heavyweight in 1985, he wasn’t expected to beat Larry Holmes, who was 48-0 at the time. Holmes was the undisputed heavyweight king, just one win away from matching Rocky Marciano’s legendary undefeated record. But Spinks defied the odds—and history.

He outboxed Holmes with finesse and discipline, then did it again in the rematch, solidifying one of the most iconic double upsets in boxing history. Spinks proved that with the right mindset, skillset, and courage, weight classes are not barriers—they’re opportunities.

Joshua referenced that feat and framed it within a modern context:

“Spinks moved up from light heavy n beat Holmes back to back… That’s championship status… That’s like @bivol_d coming from light heavy and becoming heavyweight champ. No tune up fight or anything.”

His tone was not just admiring—it was challenging, even provocative.

Bivol’s Dominance at Light Heavyweight

Dmitry Bivol, the WBA light heavyweight champion, is no stranger to elite performance. He famously defeated Canelo Álvarez in a lopsided decision in 2022, showcasing impeccable footwork, elite timing, and ring IQ that stunned the Mexican superstar and the boxing world.

Since then, Bivol has been considered one of the top pound-for-pound fighters on the planet. He’s undefeated, disciplined, and technically superb. But he’s also stuck in a holding pattern—waiting for a unification bout with Artur Beterbiev or a rematch with Canelo.

Joshua’s challenge—whether direct or symbolic—presents Bivol with another path. A path few would dare take: jumping straight to heavyweight, just like Spinks, and targeting the biggest names, including perhaps even Anthony Joshua himself.

Why AJ’s Message Resonates

In today’s boxing landscape, where long layoffs, “tune-up” fights, and carefully curated matchups are the norm, Joshua’s call to action feels like a throwback to a purer era. He’s not calling for safety—he’s calling for legacy.

Joshua, who himself has faced killers like Wladimir Klitschko, Joseph Parker, Andy Ruiz Jr., Kubrat Pulev, Oleksandr Usyk, and Robert Helenius, understands the cost and the glory of high-stakes fights.

His admiration for Spinks is rooted in appreciation for those who take risks with no safety nets. It’s a direct shot at today’s business-first, resume-protecting mentality that often dilutes the sport’s drama.

By invoking Spinks and naming Bivol, Joshua is effectively saying: “Real greatness doesn’t wait. It steps up.”

Could Bivol Realistically Compete at Heavyweight?

On paper, Dmitry Bivol moving to heavyweight sounds like a monumental leap. But it’s not impossible. At 6 feet tall and known for his disciplined conditioning, Bivol could add size and strength methodically. More importantly, his skillset is already frustrating for bigger, slower fighters.

The model isn’t just Spinks—it’s also Usyk, who moved up from cruiserweight and dethroned Joshua with speed and ring IQ. If Bivol follows a similar route, fights smart, and avoids toe-to-toe wars with brawlers, he could thrive among heavyweights.

And imagine the narrative: Bivol bypasses cruiserweight entirely, challenges Joshua, Tyson Fury, or Deontay Wilder head-on. No tune-up. Just legacy on the line.

It would be one of the boldest moves in modern boxing history.

Fans React: Dare to Be Great, or Stay in Your Lane?

Joshua’s post has split the boxing community. Some fans praised the idea as a return to the warrior spirit of old-school boxing:

“This is what boxing needs. Less ducking, more daring,” one user wrote.

Another added:

“AJ is right. Everyone’s too scared to take risks. Spinks did it, Usyk did it, Bivol should too.”

But not everyone agrees. Critics argue that weight divisions exist for a reason, and pushing fighters to skip tune-ups is dangerous.

“Why risk long-term damage just to prove a point? Bivol is a master at 175. Let him unify there first,” one fan commented.

Still, the debate itself is healthy for boxing. It reflects the ongoing tension between business and bravery, between career strategy and championship legacy.

Will Bivol Respond?

So far, Dmitry Bivol has not publicly responded to Joshua’s comments. But it’s only a matter of time. The spotlight is now on him.

If Bivol truly wants to etch his name in the annals of boxing history, taking on a heavyweight in his prime—without a safety net—might be the defining move of his career. Whether it’s Joshua, Wilder, or even Usyk, the opportunity is enormous.

And with Joshua effectively calling him out (even indirectly), fans are now watching and waiting.

Joshua’s Role: Fighter, Motivator, and Historian

This Instagram post reveals a lot about Anthony Joshua’s mindset in 2025. While still a top contender, he’s also becoming something more: a voice of legacy in a sport that sometimes forgets its roots.

He isn’t just promoting himself. He’s promoting a mindset—one that values courage over convenience, greatness over safety.

Joshua has nothing to gain by praising Spinks or mentioning Bivol. It’s not hype. It’s reverence. It’s a reminder that the sport’s history is rich with audacity, and those who dare to follow that path become legends.

What Happens Next?

Whether or not Bivol answers Joshua’s challenge directly, the discussion is alive—and that’s what boxing needs.

We could see:

• Bivol hinting at a move to heavyweight

• Joshua doubling down and offering Bivol a fight

• A surprise announcement that changes the landscape entirely

Or we could see nothing… and that silence would speak volumes.

The truth is, very few dare to be Spinks. But the challenge is now out in the open.

Final Verdict: The Legacy Challenge Has Been Thrown

Anthony Joshua’s tribute to Michael Spinks wasn’t just a nostalgic post—it was a gauntlet.

By name-dropping Dmitry Bivol and declaring that true champions don’t need tune-ups, AJ reminded the world what greatness really looks like: fearlessness, vision, and action.

The ball is now in Bivol’s court. Will he stay comfortable at light heavyweight? Or will he take the most dangerous road—straight to the top of the heavyweight division?

Whatever happens, fans owe Joshua thanks for reigniting the spirit of legacy boxing.