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.

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.”