In Memoriam
Leon Spinks, former heavy weight champion, dies at 67
Former world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, best known for defeating Muhammad Ali in 1978, has died at the age 67

Former world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, best known for defeating Muhammad Ali in 1978, has died.
How did Leon Spinks die?
Spinks passed away after a five-year battle with prostate and other cancers, according to a statement from his publicist. He was 67.
“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 statement read.
Boxing career
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Spinks represented the United States during the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Canada, as a light heavyweight and won a gold medal.
He faced Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 15, 1978, defeating him to become the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion. It was only Spinks’ eighth professional fight and one of the greatest upsets in boxing history.
Spinks and Ali met again seven months later at the Superdome in New Orleans. Ali won and reclaimed the heavyweight title.
He would compete for one more heavyweight crown, losing to Larry Holmes in 1981.
Spinks retired in 1995 with a 26-17-3 record with 14 knockouts. In 2017, he was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.
Cancer diagnosis
He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019. He was hospitalized in December that year after the cancer spread to his bladder.
The publicist’s statement continued with, “Leon fought his battle with numerous illnesses resiliently, never losing his trademark smile. Showing true Spinks determination, he never threw in the towel.”
Discover more from Unheard Voices Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
Social Justice2 weeks ago
Florida homeowner jailed over HOA dispute over brown grass
-
Community2 weeks ago
North Carolina mourns firefighter Jaywon Lyons as community rallies around his legacy
-
In Memoriam1 week ago
Beloved former N.J. track star Rashaan Richardson, dies; remembered for his spirit and style
-
Education5 days ago
North Carolina college sophomore launches GoFundMe amid tuition crisis
-
Community3 days ago
Georgia community mourns sudden death of 15-year-old athlete Mikah King
-
Social Justice1 week ago
Man injured in violent Florida traffic stop seeks support through GoFundMe
-
New Jersey6 days ago
Hundreds gather in Long Branch, New Jersey to advance unified Black agenda
-
In Memoriam2 weeks ago
GoFundMe created for HBCU scholar who died one semester before getting law degree