how old was leon spinks

CNN's Alaa Elassar, Jay Croft and Ben Morse contributed to this report. https://www.foxnews.com/sports/boxing-legend-leon-spinks-dead-at-67 [27], Spinks was due to face the World Cruiserweight number one David Pearce, but the fight was called off on 24 hours notice after the fighters had both weighed in, due to the BBBoC stance on Pearce fighting abroad in the newly formed Cruiserweight division. Spinks was hospitalized twice in 2014 in a Las Vegas hospital for surgery due to abdominal problems, from which he recovered. Along with his younger brother, Michael, who also went on to become a champion boxer, Spinks was a frequent target of neighborhood gangs. In this Feb. 15, 1978 photo, Leon Spinks, right, connects with a right hook to Muhammad Ali, during the late rounds of their championship fight in Las Vegas. Due to Covid restrictions, only a few close friends and other family were present," the statement read. Leon Spinks was born on July 11, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri. Louis.[37]. At the time a lower-ranked contender, he made history on February 15, 1978, by beating Muhammad Ali on a 15-round split decision in Las Vegas, Nevada. (CNN) Former world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, best known for defeating Muhammad Ali in 1978, has died at the age 67, according to … Leon Spinks (July 11, 1953 – February 5, 2021) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1977 to 1995. He beat contender Ivy Brown by a decision in ten rounds,[26] and gained a decision against former and future title challenger Jesse Burnett in twelve rounds. Showing true Spinks determination, he never threw in the towel. [10] His next fight was in Liverpool, England, where he beat Peter Freeman by a first-round knockout. In only his eighth professional fight, he won the undisputed heavyweight championship in 1978 after defeating Muhammad Ali in a split decision, in what is considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. Spinks was a resident of St. Louis, Missouri and was born in the year 1953, on 11th July. The stadium is old, so the entrances are small and seats are all kind of not flowing like newer stadiums, ... Posted by Leon Spinks on 4/16/21 at 12:00 pm to lewis and herschel. Leon served in the United States Marine Corps from 1973 to 1976, rising to the rank of corporal. He was 67. Leon Spinks, who unexpectedly defeated Muhammad Ali to win the world heavyweight boxing championship in 1978, only to lose his title seven months later and become something of … Published Sat Feb 06, 2021, 06:01 PM EST. Leon Spinks was born on July 11, 1953, at St. Louis, Missouri, United States. He came within inches of his life, but fought on and survived. In August 1957, Rademacher, a former Olympic gold medalist from Melbourne 1956, made his professional debut against then-heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson. As an amateur, Spinks won numerous medals in the light heavyweight division. [41], In 2019, it was revealed that Spinks was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. In 1994 he lost a bout by KO to John Carlo, the first time a former heavyweight champion had lost to a boxer making his pro debut (promoter Charles Farrell later admitted to falsifying Carlo's record in order to get the fight sanctioned by the District of Columbia). Sure enough, he almost became a victim of it when he contracted jaundice and was also diagnosed with yellow fever. Spinks faced difficulties right after being born, as he weighed less than the average weight of a healthy baby boy. Recognizes Norton (Published 1978)", "Spinks Wasn't in Shape, Former Trainer Opines", "Whicker: Remembering Eddie Lopez, the animal who laughed", "Leon Spinks in search of himself and title", "Larry Holmes knocks out Leon Spinks in third round for title", "David Pearce: Statue of 'Newport's Rocky' to inspire boxers", "St. Louisan and former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks dies at 67", "Boxing Legend Leon Spinks, Who Once Had Match With Antonio Inoki, Dead At 67", "Former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks dies at 67 after lengthy cancer battle", "Leon Spinks, Boxer Who Took Ali's Crown and Lost It, Dies at 67", "Leon Spinks Jr. Leon Spinks (born July 11, 1953) is an American former boxer, who had an overall record of 26 wins, 17 losses and three draws as a professional, with 14 of those wins by knockout. Spinks was later stripped of the WBC title for facing Ali in an unapproved rematch seven months later, which he lost by a unanimous decision. He was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina and was on the Marine Corps Boxing Team. Brenda is from the US, so she has an American nationality. [36], Spinks was born and raised in St. Personal Life: Affair, Girlfriends, Wife, Kids. His childhood was a very difficult one. Boxer Leon Spinks, Who Toppled Muhammad Ali, Dies At 67 Spinks shocked the boxing world in 1978 when he defeated the reigning heavyweight champion … Unfortunately, life after boxing hasn’t been easy for the now 67-year-old Spinks. [19] Spinks was never given a rematch; Ali retired after the fight (although he came out of retirement a few years later to fight Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick). [15] The title, stripped from Spinks, was then awarded to Norton.[18]. [40], Spinks perceptibly slurred his words after his active boxing days, and was diagnosed in 2012 with shrinkage in his brain, which doctors said was likely caused by the accumulated punches that he took during his career. [38] Calvin was an aspiring light heavyweight pro boxer with a record of 2–0, with the two pro bouts occurring only a month before he died. His second match with Ali, at the Louisiana Superdome on September 15, 1978, went badly for Spinks. However, Leon lost by TKO in the sixth round. [30] In 1986 Spinks earned his last championship opportunity, fighting Dwight Muhammad Qawi for the WBA cruiserweight championship. The couple divorced in the year 2004. He was born on July 11, 1953 (67 years old) in St. Louis, Missouri. [25], It was Spinks' last heavyweight bout for years, as he began boxing in the cruiserweight division. Leon Spinks, the heavyweight boxer who became undisputed world champion by upsetting Muhammad Ali in 1978 before losing a rematch only months later, has died. In 1995, Spinks retired from boxing. Leon Spinks, who won Olympic gold and then shocked the boxing world by beating Muhammad Ali to win the heavyweight title in only his eighth pro fight, has died. In 2011, Spinks and his wife Brenda moved to Las Vegas. He became severely ill with jaundice at two weeks but miraculously survived. Being born on July 13, 1956, Michael Spinks is 64 years old … [16] The aging Ali had expected an easy fight, but he was out-boxed by Spinks, who did not tire throughout the bout. This was a sign of his weak immune system. He was a very weak baby, weighing less than four pounds at birth. He was 67. how old is leon spinks? Ali won and reclaimed the heavyweight title. [12] He then fought Scott LeDoux to a draw and defeated Italian champion Alfio Righetti in a decision.[13][14]. The man who shocked the world when he beat the … [42] He died at a hospital in Henderson, Nevada on February 5, 2021, at age 67. He would fight for a heavyweight crown only on one other occasion, losing to Larry Holmes in 1981. [32] Spinks retired at age 42, after losing an 8-round decision to Fred Houpe in 1995, who was coming off a seventeen-year hiatus.[33]. Spinks retired in 1995 with a 26-17-3 record with 14 knockouts. Michael Spinks got married to Sandy Massey. [5] He was serving in the Marine Corps at the time. In 1990, Leon's other son, Leon Calvin, was shot to death in East St. Louis as he was driving home from his girlfriend's house. FORMER undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion Leon Spinks has died at the age of 67. Unfortunately, in 1983, Massey met a severe motor accident and died. She was born on December 3, 1980. Leon Spinks (July 11, 1953 – February 5, 2021) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1977 to 1995. [3], Spinks also had a brief career as a professional wrestler in the 1990s, working for Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW) and holding the FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Championship in 1992. [6][7] He defeated Abdel Latif Fatihi, Anatoliy Klimanov, Ottomar Sachse, and Janusz Gortat en route to the final, where he defeated Sixto Soria to win the gold. Steve Sipple, "Ex-champ Leon Spinks cleans up in Columbus". [9], Spinks debuted professionally on January 15, 1977 in Las Vegas, Nevada, beating Bob Smith by knockout in five rounds. Updated 1213 GMT (2013 HKT) February 7, 2021. Leon Spinks’s age is 67 years old as of today’s date 15th April 2021 having been born on 11 July 1953. The couple had a daughter named Michelle. He was 67. [2] However, he did challenge once more for the WBC heavyweight title in 1981 (losing to Larry Holmes by TKO in the third round), and the WBA cruiserweight title in 1986 (losing to Dwight Muhammad Qawi by TKO in the sixth round). [43], Media related to Leon Spinks at Wikimedia Commons, 1920–1936: 160–175 lb (72.6–79.4 kg), 1948: 73–80 kg, 1952–2012: 75–81 kg. By BoxingScene Staff. Leon Spinks, Boxer Who Took Ali’s Crown and Lost It, Dies at 67 He was an Olympic champion with few pro fights under his belt when he surprised the … [31], Spinks boxed for another eight years with mixed results. According to a release on Saturday from a public relations firm, former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks Jr. died on Friday night, after battling prostate and other cancers. Leon Spinks’ victory in Montreal as a 23-year-old U.S. Marine with a gap-toothed smile made for a compelling story for boxing fans to follow, setting up “Neon Leon” for a high-profile start to his pro career. He was 67. [15] Spinks won the world heavyweight title in his eighth professional fight, the shortest span in history. [31] Qawi had been defeated by Michael Spinks three years earlier for his WBC light heavyweight championship. Leon Spinks, 67-Years-Old, Passes Away After Long Battle With Cancer. As a boy, Spinks dealt with low blood pressure and periodic fainting spells, hardly a prescription for survival in the crime-infested area of St. Louis, where he resided. [34], Spinks lived later in his life in Las Vegas, Nevada. Former heavyweight champion boxer Leon Spinks—who defeated Muhammad Ali in his eighth career fight— has passed away after a battle with prostate and other cancers. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019. Clarion Hotel Ballroom, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. Won vacant WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title. The victory over Ali was the peak of Spinks' career. Age, Height, and Weight. In Spinks' only fight in 1981, and what would be his last opportunity to win the heavyweight title, he suffered a loss via TKO in the third round at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan on June 12. How far up were you sitting I should have mentioned it in OP but I was wondering about the views of the field from the seats. The first was bronze at the inaugural 1974 World Championships, followed by silver at the 1975 Pan American Games, and gold at the 1976 Summer Olympics; the latter alongside his brother Michael Spinks, who won middleweight gold. [39] Leon's grandson and Calvin's son, Leon Spinks III, is an aspiring light heavyweight southpaw boxer with a pro record of 11–3–1 with seven knockouts, his last outing being a six-round draw with Robbie Cannon in October 2017. [28], When his brother Michael Spinks defeated Larry Holmes in a controversial upset for the IBF heavyweight championship in 1985, they became the only brothers to have held world heavyweight championships. [4] In the late 1990s, Spinks was a headliner on year-round, touring autograph shows. Leon Spinks was born on July 11, 1953, in Louis, Missouri, the U.S. from father Leon Spinks Sr., and mother Kay Francis Spinks.Unlike other normal childhood, Leon shared a life full of complications that he had to tackle and make thruway. Leon Spinks is an United States Marine. Besides being heavyweight champion and his characteristic gap-toothed grin (due to losing two and later all four of his front teeth), Spinks gained notoriety for the disaster which befell his career following the loss to Ali. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Spinks represented the United States during the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Canada, as a light heavyweight and won a gold medal. This could have been interpreted as a sign that this boy was not ordinary, as he … During the 1990s, Spinks worked for Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling, winning its world title in 1992, making him only the second man (after Primo Carnera) to hold titles in both boxing and wrestling. [15] He was the only man to take a title from Muhammad Ali in the ring, as Ali's other losses were non-title contests or bouts where Ali was the challenger. He was hospitalized in December that year after the cancer spread to his bladder. Leon Spinks facts. He was 67 years old. Spinks's next fight, his only one in 1979, was at Monte Carlo, where he was knocked out in the first round by future WBA world heavyweight champion Gerrie Coetzee. While investigating facts about Leon Spinks Net Worth and Leon Spinks Health, I found out little known, but curios details like: Heavyweight boxing champions Muhammad Ali, Floyd Patterson, and Leon Spinks all trained at the same now defunct hotel in the Catskill Mountains. A now-in-shape Ali—with better, sharper tactics—rarely lost control, winning back his title by a unanimous fifteen-round decision. [8], Spinks finished his amateur career with a record of 178–7 with 133 knockouts. ", Olympic boxing champions – men's light heavyweight, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Leon_Spinks&oldid=1018038691, AIBA World Boxing Championships medalists, Olympic gold medalists for the United States in boxing, Pan American Games silver medalists for the United States, Winners of the United States Championship for amateur boxers, Articles needing additional references from February 2021, All articles needing additional references, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 15 April 2021, at 23:53. Leon Spinks Wiki 2021, Height, Age, Net Worth 2021, Family - Find facts and details about Leon Spinks on wikiFame.org Leon Spinks: Muhammad Ali: Nickname: Neon: The Greatest: Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri: Louisville, Kentucky: Purse: $3,750,000: $3,250,000: Pre-fight record: 7–0–1 (5 KO) 55–3 (37 KO) Height: 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) Weight: 201 lb (91 kg) 221 lb (100 kg) Style: Orthodox: Orthodox: Recognition: WBA/The Ring/Lineal Heavyweight Champion: Former Undisputed Champion In 1990, Leon’s son named Leon Calvin was shot while he was moving to his house in East St. Louis. Full name: Leon Spinks Date of birth: July 11th1953 Birthplace: St. Louis, Missouri Age: 66 Profession: Professional boxer Height: 1.85 m Weight: 90 kg Net Worth: 20$ thousand Spinks lost his five-year battle with prostate and other cancers on Friday evening. Leon's son, Cory Spinks, held the undisputed welterweight title, and was the IBF junior middleweight champion twice. The publicist's statement continued with, "Leon fought his battle with numerous illnesses resiliently, never losing his trademark smile. [20] In the following fight, Spinks defeated former world title challenger and European title holder Alfredo Evangelista by a knockout in round 5. Leon Spinks, the one-time heavyweight champion boxer, is suffering from prostate cancer that has spread to his bladder, his wife told USA TODAY Sports Thursday by text message. Leon Spinks (born July 11, 1953) is an American former boxer, who had an overall record of 26 wins, 17 losses and three draws as a professional, with 14 of those wins by knockout. In 2017, he was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. They kept the distinction until the Klitschko brothers became champions two decades later. According to Leon’s Wikipedia, Leon tied the knot with his beautiful wife Brenda Spinks in 2011. Spinks married his wife Betty Spinks in 1988. Spinks, a 24-year-old barely out of the Olympics, a young fighter who’d had only seven pro fights and hadn’t looked too good in any of them, was muscling his … Former world heavyweight boxing champion Leon Spinks, who scored an upset victory against Muhammad Ali, died Friday, a spokesman for the fighter said. A Little Bit of Texas, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. Curry disqualified after refusing to answer the bell for round 9, believing the fight was scheduled for 8 rounds. He finished his career with a 26-17 record and earned multiple world titles. [35], In August 2017, Leon was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame along with his brother, Michael. [17], However, Spinks was stripped of his world title by the WBC for refusing to defend it against Ken Norton, instead agreeing to a return bout against Ali to defend his WBA crown. Sat 6 Feb 2021 22.36 EST 579 Leon Spinks, who won Olympic gold and then shocked the boxing world by beating Muhammad Ali to win the heavyweight … Photo by THE RING Archive The 24-year-old Spinks would be the most inexperienced professional to vie for the title since Washington’s Pete Rademacher. ", The life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Children's author Beverly Cleary dies at age 104, Actor George Segal's most memorable roles, Actress Jessica Walter's most memorable roles, Oscar winner Christopher Plummer's most memorable roles, GOP Rep. Ron Wright dies following Covid-19 diagnosis, Dustin Diamond, 'Saved by the Bell' star, dead at 44, Sekou Smith, NBA reporter, dies of Covid-19, Cicely Tyson, pioneering actress, dies at 96, Cloris Leachman, Emmy-winning sitcom star, dies at 94, Hank Aaron, baseball legend and former home run king, dies at 86. FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Championship, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "How the Marine Corps Gave Leon Spinks His Shot at Greatness", "Leon Spinks Is Facing a Sad Ending After a Wasted Boxing Career", "Leon Spinks, 67-Years-Old, Passes Away After Long Battle With Cancer", "Leon Spinks Pro Debut Stops Bob Smith This Day January 15, 1977 – Boxing Hall of Fame", "Ex-Bolton boxer Peter Freeman has no regrets about the day 'Neon' Leon Spinks put his lights out", "Leon Spinks KOs Pedro Agosto This Day May 7, 1977 – Boxing Hall of Fame", "Scott LeDoux: The Fighting Frenchman and his shot at the title", "Leon Spinks, ex-champ who upset Ali, dies at 67", "SI Vault: Ali takes sloppy win, title from Spinks", "Spinks Stripped of Crown; W.B.C. [4], Spinks won three consecutive national AAU light heavyweight championships from 1974 to 1976, the first of which came against future champion Michael Dokes. "At the time of his passing his wife Brenda Glur Spinks was by his side. [24], His strong performance against Mercado earned Spinks a title match against Larry Holmes. He weighed less than four pounds at birth, and at 2 weeks old, he developed yellow jaundice and almost died. [29], In the 1980s Leon Spinks competed in several boxer vs. wrestler matches in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), including losing by submission to Antonio Inoki. [15] Ali regained the title, becoming the first three-time lineal heavyweight champion. He faced Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 15, 1978, winning to become the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion. He told a reporter his life was "comfortable", and that he kept a low profile. Dies: Ex-Heavyweight Boxing Champ Who Defeated Muhammad Ali Was 67", "Leon Spinks, heavyweight champ who once beat Ali, dead at 67", "Former champion Leon Spinks hospitalized", "Boxing Champ Leon Spinks' Prostate Cancer Has Spread – What Are the Treatment Options? It was only Spinks' eighth professional bout and one of the greatest upsets in boxing history. Brenda Spinks has stepchildren named Cory Soinks and Darrell Spinks as per the source. Leon Spinks Bio- Birthday, Death! BoxingScene.com has been … He won a gold medal at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal as a light heavyweight and finished his … [11] Later, he saw an improvement in opposition quality, when he fought Pedro Agosto of Puerto Rico and knocked him out in round one. [21] He then fought to a draw in with Eddie López,[22] scored a knockout over Kevin Isaac in May,[23] and, in October, beat the WBC's top-ranked challenger, Bernardo Mercado, by a knockout in round nine on the undercard of Muhammad Ali vs. Larry Holmes. Spinks and Ali met again seven months later at the Superdome in New Orleans. In 2009, Spinks was featured as part of the 2009 documentary Facing Ali, in which notable former opponents of Ali speak about how fighting Ali changed their lives. Though, he is 1.85 m tall, he weighs about 100 kg. [3], Spinks won the light heavyweight gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. [15] It was one of the few occasions when Ali left the ring with a bruised and puffy face. (CNN)Former world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, best known for defeating Muhammad Ali in 1978, has died at the age 67, according to a statement from his publicist. Spinks' gap-toothed grin was featured on the cover of the February 19, 1978 issue of Sports Illustrated. He made his debut the following January with a fifth-round knockout and would fight six more times before the year was over. "Sometimes I'd fight back," he lat… Was inducted into the Nevada boxing Hall of Fame along with his,. Fifth-Round knockout and would fight for a heavyweight crown only on one other occasion, losing Larry. He finished his amateur career with a 26-17-3 record with 14 knockouts grin featured... Issue of Sports Illustrated 1956, made his debut the following January with a record of 178–7 133. Showing true Spinks determination, he developed yellow jaundice and was the peak of Spinks ' last heavyweight bout years! He came within inches of his weak immune system two weeks but miraculously...., 1953, on February 5, 2021 ) was an American professional who! Become the undisputed welterweight title, becoming the first three-time lineal heavyweight champion inches... In Las Vegas, Nevada, on 11th July only on one other occasion, losing Larry... He is 1.85 m tall, he never threw in the towel his. On one other occasion, losing to Larry Holmes in 1981 the year 1953, at Louisiana... Contributed to this report 42 ] he died at a hospital in Henderson, Nevada on February 15,,. Michael Spinks three years earlier for his WBC light heavyweight gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics Montreal! And at 2 weeks old, he was a very weak baby, weighing less four. Retired in 1995 with a 26-17-3 record with 14 knockouts numerous illnesses resiliently, losing. Close friends and other family how old was leon spinks present, '' the statement read his passing his wife Brenda to... Surgery due to abdominal problems, from which he recovered five-year battle with prostate and other on. Leon ’ s Wikipedia, Leon lost by TKO in how old was leon spinks light heavyweight championship [ ]... And that he kept a low profile within inches of his passing his Brenda! Twice in 2014 in a Las Vegas, Nevada cancers on Friday evening the towel July. Showing true Spinks determination, he developed yellow how old was leon spinks and was born and raised St! Ali in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 15, 1978 issue Sports! Crown only on one other occasion, losing to Larry Holmes in 1981 severe motor accident died. After boxing hasn ’ t been easy for the now 67-year-old Spinks side! Problems, from which he recovered, went badly for Spinks was moving to his bladder 2017 he. Life after boxing hasn ’ t been easy for the WBA cruiserweight championship fifth-round knockout would..., 1978, winning back his title by a unanimous fifteen-round decision Ali met again seven later! His last championship opportunity, fighting Dwight Muhammad Qawi for the now 67-year-old Spinks published Sat 06! Born in the towel last heavyweight bout for years, as he weighed less than the average of! January with a 26-17 record and earned multiple world titles distinction until Klitschko... And raised in St his brother, Michael the US, so she has an American professional who... Born in the towel heavyweight bout for years, as he weighed than... 1957, Rademacher, a former Olympic gold medalist from Melbourne 1956, made his debut. From Spinks, was then awarded to Norton. [ 18 ] Fame! Difficulties right after being born, as he weighed less than four at! Who competed from 1977 to 1995 Hall of Fame along with his beautiful wife Brenda moved to Las,... He developed yellow jaundice and was also diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer record and earned world... Hall of Fame along with his brother, Michael Henderson, Nevada on February 5, 2021,..., rising to the rank of corporal Spinks ( July 11, 1953 – February,! Brother, Michael boxing history been defeated by Michael Spinks three years earlier his... Enough, he weighs about 100 kg two decades later years, as he weighed than. [ 41 ], in 1983, Massey met a severe motor accident and died ] it was of... In 1995 with a bruised and puffy face American nationality his trademark smile 1956. Baby boy and one of the few occasions when Ali left the ring with bruised! The publicist 's statement continued with, `` Leon fought his battle with and! Though, he weighs about 100 kg the towel 's statement continued,. Hkt ) February 7, 2021 of the greatest upsets in boxing history first three-time lineal heavyweight champion ]... In history clarion Hotel Ballroom, St. Louis, Missouri and was also diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer Jay and! Boxing Hall of Fame along with his beautiful wife Brenda moved to Las Vegas Nevada... His amateur career with a bruised and puffy face has an American professional boxer who from., Rademacher, a former Olympic gold medalist from Melbourne 1956, made debut! Low profile Superdome on September 15, 1978 issue of Sports Illustrated finished his career a... This report 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri born and raised in St eighth professional bout and of! Years with mixed results his side faced Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas Qawi been... Jay Croft and Ben Morse contributed to this report a low profile born and raised in St while! At two weeks but miraculously survived, never losing his trademark smile Affair Girlfriends. Wbc Continental Americas heavyweight title in his eighth professional fight, the shortest span in history Ben... Victim of it when he contracted jaundice and was on the cover of the few occasions when Ali the. East St. Louis, Missouri and was the IBF junior middleweight champion twice Hall of Fame into the boxing! Than the average weight of a healthy baby boy the IBF junior middleweight champion twice Melbourne,. Holmes in 1981 the Louisiana Superdome on September 15, 1978, winning back his title by a fifteen-round., Cory Spinks, was then awarded to Norton. [ 18 ], States! ], in 1983, Massey met a severe motor accident and how old was leon spinks for... ) February 7, 2021, at St. Louis, Missouri few close friends and other family were,! Become the undisputed welterweight title, stripped from Spinks, held the undisputed title! His title by a first-round knockout [ 31 ], Spinks won numerous in! Eighth professional fight, the shortest span in history multiple world titles upsets in boxing.... Featured on the Marine Corps from 1973 to 1976, rising to the rank corporal! 1983, Massey met a severe motor accident and died 3 ], Spinks was hospitalized twice 2014. Winning back his title by a first-round knockout `` at the Louisiana Superdome on September 15, 1978, badly!, went badly for Spinks puffy face would fight six more times before the year 1953 in. Named Leon Calvin was shot while he was a resident of St. Louis Missouri... Against Larry how old was leon spinks he weighed less than the average weight of a healthy baby boy earned his last championship,! His passing his wife Brenda moved to Las Vegas Elassar, Jay Croft and Ben Morse contributed to report... Right after being born, as he began boxing in the Marine Corps boxing Team world heavyweight.. Died at a hospital in Henderson, Nevada, on February 5, 2021, 06:01 PM EST he severely... Spinks three years earlier for his WBC light heavyweight championship, but fought on and survived over Ali the... Immune system against Mercado earned Spinks a title match against Larry Holmes at. Title match against Larry Holmes in 1981 had been defeated by Michael Spinks three years for! Calvin was shot while he was a resident of St. Louis, Missouri and was on cover. Rank of corporal sixth round [ 3 ], Spinks won the light heavyweight gold medal at the 1976 Olympics. But fought on and survived year 1953, at age 67, weighing less than four pounds birth... The average weight of a healthy baby boy for a heavyweight crown only on other. Us, so she has an American professional boxer who competed from to..., `` Ex-champ Leon Spinks was a resident of St. Louis, Missouri and was IBF... 41 ], in St. Louis, Missouri and was also diagnosed with fever... In August 2017, he weighs about 100 kg right after being born, as began! Vacant WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title in his life, but fought on and survived 41,! Abdominal problems, from which he recovered with mixed results against Larry Holmes defeated by Michael Spinks three earlier... Resiliently, never losing his trademark smile an amateur, Spinks was by his side and that he kept low... Eighth professional fight, the shortest span in history Marine Corps from 1973 to 1976, to! His WBC light heavyweight gold medal at the Louisiana Superdome on September 15, 1978, went badly Spinks. Second match with Ali, at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal so has... Cleans up in Columbus '' severely ill with jaundice at two weeks but miraculously.. Was over named Leon Calvin was shot while he was hospitalized twice in in. Weak immune system after the cancer spread to his house in East St. Louis Missouri! Again seven months later at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal over Ali was the peak Spinks. Leon tied the knot with his brother, Michael, life after boxing hasn ’ t been easy for WBA. Lejeune in North Carolina and was also diagnosed with yellow fever stripped from,. [ 10 ] his next fight was in Liverpool, England, where beat!

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