By: Jim Amato

He was one of the best fighters to come out of New Jersey in the 1980’s. He was a viewer favorite during the popularity growth of ESPN boxing. Mike Tinley held his own with some of the best middleweights of the decade. Tinley turned professional in 1981 and quickly established himself as a prospect to watch. Tinley suffered the only stoppage loss of his career in 1982 due to an eye cut against Robert Thomas. Tinley came right back to upset undefeated Mark McPherson. In 1983 Tinley pulled off another upset outscoring talented Robbie Sims. Mike then won the ESPN middleweight title with a twelve round decision over Bruce Johnson. He continued to perform as a crowd pleaser by defending the ESPN crown against the game Teddy Mann. In 1984 Tinley dropped a decision to rugged contender Doug DeWitt.

Tinley got right back on track with a points win over the always tough Jorge Amparo. Tinley then won the New Jersey middleweight title outpointing Andre Cooper. A return match with Robbie Sims again went Tinsley’s way after ten rounds. In 1985 Tinsley met Iran Barkley for the WBC Continental Americas middleweight crown. Tinsley lost a controversial twelve round verdict. Nine months later Tinley dropped a decision to unbeaten Michael Nunn. In 1989 Mike had one more chance to put himself into position for a shot at the world’s championship. He met the cagey Tony Thornton for the USBA 160 pound championship. Again Mike fell short dropping the twelve round duke to Thornton. That was Tinley’s last fight.

Tinley engaged in 29 pro fights and won 22 of them. He met three men who would claim world titles. He reminded me a lot of Cleveland middleweight Sanderline Williams who also campaigned around that time. They both could compete with the best. They just couldn’t catch a break.