Sports
Leon Spinks, The Boxing Legend Who Defeated Muhammad Ali Dies At 67
- A lovable heavyweight with a drinking problem, Spinks beat Ali years back
- Spinks retired in 1995 at the age of 42
- He retired with a pedestrian 26-17-3 record, including 14 knockouts.
The former undisputed heavyweight boxing champ, Leon Spinks who defeated MuhammadAli in 1978, died at the age of 67 after a five-year battle with prostate cancer.
The American achieved a famous upset win over Muhammad Ali in 1978, in just his eighth professional fight.
He had suffered with health issues in his later years and was diagnosed with advanced stage prostate cancer in 2019, EKO HOT BLOG gathered.
His wife, Brenda GlurSpinks, and a few close friends and other family members were by his side when he passed away.
A lovable heavyweight with a drinking problem, Spinks beat Ali by decision in a 15-round fight in 1978 to win the title. He was unranked at the time, and picked as an opponent because Ali was looking for an easy fight.
Spinks lost the title to Ali in a rematch in New Orleans, a bout televised live in prime time on ABC which attracted 93 million viewers.
Spinks never again reached such heights after conquering Ali. After his loss to Ali, he had two other world title opportunities.
He was stopped by Larry Holmes in the third round on June 12, 1981, in a bid for the WBC heavyweight title. He made a run for the cruiserweight belt, but was stopped on March 22, 1986, by Dwight Muhammad Qawi.
“Leon fought his battle with numerous illnesses resiliently, never losing his trademark smile,” a spokesperson said. “Showing true Spinks determination, he never threw in the towel.”
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