Sonny Liston
American boxer (c. 1930-1970)
Leon Spinks was an American professional boxer who had a remarkable career, including winning the heavyweight championship in 1978 against Muhammad Ali in one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. Despite his success, Spinks faced challenges later in his career, including losing his title and competing in other divisions. He also had a brief stint as a professional wrestler.
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About the Leon Spinks
Leon Spinkswas an American professional boxer who competed from 1977 to 1995. 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 later stripped of the WBC title for facing Ali in an unapproved rematch seven months later, which he lost by a unanimous decision.
Besides being heavyweight champion and his characteristic gap-toothed grinand holding the FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Championship in 1992.
Frequently Asked Questions
Leon Spinks was born on July 11, 1953.
Leon Spinks’ biggest accomplishment was winning the undisputed heavyweight championship in 1978 after defeating Muhammad Ali in what is considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
After his win against Muhammad Ali, Leon Spinks was stripped of the WBC title for facing Ali in an unapproved rematch seven months later, which he lost by a unanimous decision.
Besides the heavyweight division, Leon Spinks also challenged for the WBC heavyweight title in 1981 (losing to Larry Holmes by TKO) and the WBA cruiserweight title in 1986 (losing to Dwight Muhammad Qawi by TKO).
Before becoming a professional boxer, Leon Spinks served in the United States Marine Corps from 1973 to 1976, rising to the rank of corporal, and was on the Marine Corps Boxing Team.
Yes, Leon Spinks had a brief career as a professional wrestler from 1986, 1990 to 1993, mainly working for Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW) and holding the FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Championship in 1992.
Leon Spinks’ brother was Michael Spinks, who won the middleweight gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics alongside Leon’s light heavyweight gold medal.