Leon Spinks
In 1976 summer Olympics, Leon was representing the United States as a light heavyweight boxer in Montreal and won the Gold medal. His brother Michael Spinks also won Gold medal, so they both turn out to be the first brothers to win Gold medals in the same sport at the same Olympics.
On February 15, 1978, in only his eighth qualified wrestle, Spinks outpointed Muhammad Ali over several rounds to detain the world heavyweight title. Spinks lost the title back to Ali just seven months afterward and his career went into an irretrievable tailspin. He fought in 1995 for the very last time ending with a record.
Spinks, a light heavyweight, had a victorious recreational boxing career. Although in 1976 he lost final of the Pan American Games, In 1977 Spinks started fighting competently, moving up to the heavyweight division. After seven bouts he challenged Muhammad Ali for the world heavyweight title in February 1978 in Las Vegas and distress the champion in a split judgment. In New Orleans seven months afterward, though, Ali won a rematch, In 1981 Spinks challenged Larry Holmes for the heavyweight title and lost in three rounds.
Spinks retired from professional boxing in 1995 and now apparently dispossessed just over a decade after winning the heavyweight title. Later, after getting separated, he temporarily lived in an asylum in his native St. Louis. He also helped start a gym in Detroit and did various unusual jobs in California.
Spinks’ son, Cory Spinks, is an ex- welterweight and junior middleweight world champion. Leon can frequently be spotted in or about the turn at each of his son’s fights.
Leon Spinks
Leon Spinks
Leon Spinks
Leon Spinks
Leon Spinks
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