Leon Spinks, former heavyweight champion who defeated Muhammad Ali, dies at 67

Former boxer and heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, finest recognized for defeating Muhammad Ali in 1978, died on the age of 67.

Spinks misplaced his five-year battle with prostate most cancers and different cancers on Friday night time, his adviser introduced.

“On the time of his demise, his spouse Brenda Glur Spinks was at his aspect. Resulting from Covid’s restrictions, only some shut associates and different households had been current,” the assertion stated.

“Leon fought his battle towards quite a few diseases resiliently, by no means dropping his attribute smile. Displaying Spinks’ true dedication, he by no means threw within the towel.” is added.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Spinks represented the USA in the course of the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Canada, as a light-weight heavyweight and gained the gold medal.

He then confronted Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 15, 1978, shockingly defeating Ali to change into the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion.

It was his eighth skilled battle and one of many greatest surprises in boxing historical past.

Ali defeated Spinks once they met once more, seven months later, on the New Orleans Superdome and regained the heavyweight title.

Spinks retired in 1995 with a file of 26-17-Three with 14 knockouts. In 2017, he was launched to Nevada B “On the time of his demise, his spouse Brenda Glur Spinks was at his aspect. Resulting from Covid’s restrictions, only some shut associates and different households had been current,” the assertion stated.

“Leon fought his battle towards quite a few diseases in a resilient method, by no means dropping his attribute smile. Displaying Spinks’ true dedication, he by no means threw within the towel.” added

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Spinks represented the USA in the course of the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Canada, as a light-weight heavyweight and gained a gold medal.

He then confronted Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 15, 1978, shockingly defeating Ali to change into the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion.

It was his eighth skilled battle and one of many greatest surprises in boxing historical past.

Ali defeated Spinks once they met once more, seven months later, on the Superdome in New Orleans and regained the heavyweight title.

Spinks retired in 1995 with a file of 26-17-Three with 14 knockouts. In 2017, he was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Corridor of Fame.oxing Corridor of Fame.