Leon Spinks, the former heavyweight champion best known for defeating Muhammad Ali in 1978, died Friday after a long-time battle with cancer.
According to CNN, Spinks had been battling prostate and other cancers for about five years.
“Leon fought his battle with numerous illnesses resiliently, never losing his trademark smile. Showing true Spinks determination, he never threw in the towel,” a statement released by his publisher read.
At the time of his passing his wife Brenda Glur Spinks was by his side. Due to COVID restrictions, only a few close friends and other family were present.
The St. Louis native first made a name for himself in 1976 when he represented the United States in the Olympics, winning a gold medal.
It was not until two years later, in 1978, that Spinks became the heavyweight boxing champion over Ali. In only his eighth professional match, Spinks defeated Ali in what is now known as “one of the greatest upsets in boxing history.”
In 1981, Spinks would fight once again for the heavyweight title. Yet this bout was unsuccessful as Larry Holmes took home the win.
According to CNN, Spinks retired in 1995 with a 26-17-3 record with 14 knockouts. He was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017.
“You gave me a hell of a fight, but you were a good guy. You lived your life the way you wanted, and it was a good one. I pray you Rest In Peace,” Holmes wrote on Twitter.
He was 67.
Top Rank joins the boxing community in mourning the passing of Leon Spinks – A true legend, who pulled off one of the greatest Heavyweight upsets of all time in 1978. pic.twitter.com/i3xHjkKNti
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) February 7, 2021
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