The boxing legend Leon Spinks has died at the age of 67 after battling prostrate cancer for years.
Before becoming an international star in boxing, he served in the Marine Corps.
In 1978, Leon Spinks beat Mohamed Ali to win the world’s heavyweight championship. This is considered to have been one of the biggest upsets in the boxing history.
“He beat the devil out of Muhammad, from pillar to post, even Muhammad was surprised,” said George Foreman while commenting about the bout. At the time of defeating Ali, Leon was 24. However, seven months later he lost a rematch with Mohamed Ali.
In 1981, Leon again competed for the heavy weight championship but he lost to Larry Holmes in the third round through a technical knock out.
Those who knew him can’t forget his trademark gap-toothed smile whenever he appeared for a fight.
Friends remember him as: “He was a great guy to be around. Funny and hard working. He was all those things.’’
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