Michael Spinks vs. Gerry Cooney, billed as The War at the Shore was a professional boxing match contested on June 15, 1987, for The Ring and lineal heavyweight titles.

[4] After knocking out Gregg in the first round of their fight, Cooney hoped to begin negotiations with Spinks, whom had successfully made the first defense of his title the previous month in a rematch with Holmes.

[5] However, Spinks pivoted and instead chose to make his next defense against the IBF's #12 ranked contender Steffen Tangstad, whom he defeated on September 6, 1986.

[6][7] Lewis and Spinks then once again entered into talks with Cooney and his manager Dennis Rapaport, with a deal eventually agreed to in early December.

[8] The deal was met with controversy as it was to take place outside of the unification series Spinks was obligated to compete in as IBF heavyweight champion.