Leon Spinks — PICS

1 of 5

Leon Spinks Is All Smiles At Boxing Hall of Fame Parade

Leon Spinks Is All Smiles At Boxing Hall of Fame ParadeMike Groll/AP/Shutterstock

Leon Spinks is a former American professional boxer who was active for 18 years beginning in 1977. He is primarily known for winning the undisputed heavyweight championship against the late and great Muhammad Ali in 1978 that is widely considered to be one of the greatest upsets in sports history. His success in Boxing also occurred at many other events during his illustrious career including him winning a gold medal in the lightweight division at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada. He also won a silver at the 1975 Pan American Games in Mexico City and a bronze at the World Championships in Havana in the same category. Leon also found success in the professional wrestling world during the 1990’s at Frontiers-Martial Arts Wrestling. His son Cory Spinks, 41, followed in his dad’s footsteps by holding the undisputed welterweight title in 2003 and was also the IBF junior middleweight champion twice.

December 11, 2019, 2:17PM
2 of 5

Boxer Leon Spinks Poses For The Camera

Boxer Leon Spinks Poses For The CameraAP/Shutterstock

Olympic Boxer Leon Spinks gives a mean look while posing for the camera in an undated action photo. 

December 11, 2019, 2:17PM
3 of 5

Leon Spinks During Match With Larry Holmes

Leon Spinks During Match With Larry HolmesAtkins/AP/Shutterstock

Referee Richard Steel counts out challenger Leon Spinks after he was hit by WBC Heavyweight Champion Larry Holmes in the third round of their scheduled 15-round title bout. The vent took place in Detroit at the  Joe Louis Arena. 

December 11, 2019, 2:17PM
4 of 5

Leon Spinks Early In His Boxing Career

Leon Spinks Early In His Boxing CareerAnonymous/AP/Shutterstock

Boxer Leon Spinks seen outside the ring in 1977. He competed professionally beginning this year until 1995. 

December 11, 2019, 2:17PM
5 of 5

Leon Spinks Is All Smiles Before His Legendary Fight Against Muhammad Ali

Leon Spinks Is All Smiles Before His Legendary Fight Against Muhammad AliColorsport/Shutterstock

Leon Spinks looks to be in the best of moods prior to his fight against Muhammad Ali. The iconic match took place on September 15, 1978 at the New Orleans Superdome. 

December 11, 2019, 2:17PM
Click to Subscribe to Get Our Free HollywoodLife Daily Newsletter to get the hottest celeb news.

You Might Also Like