Leon Spinks: Olympic Gold Medalist Who Beat Muhammad Ali for the Heavywe

Leon Spinks was an American boxer and Olympic champion, best known for upsetting Muhammad Ali in 1978 to win the heavyweight championship of the world. Born on July 11, 1953, in St. Louis, Missouri, he served in the U.S. Marines before turning professional.

Spinks won gold at the 1976 Montreal Olympics in the light heavyweight division, and his brother Michael Spinks won gold in the middleweight division at the same Games. In 1978, in just his eighth professional fight, Leon won a split decision over Ali to become heavyweight champion. His gap-toothed grin made the cover of Sports Illustrated that year.

Spinks lost the rematch with Ali later in 1978 and went on to fight until 1995. He also spent time in professional wrestling. His son Cory Spinks became an undisputed welterweight champion. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019 and died at a hospital in Henderson, Nevada, on February 5, 2021, at age 67. Remembered for his courage in the ring, he secured a permanent place in boxing history.

Achievements: Won Olympic gold at the Montreal Games (1976), won three consecutive national AAU titles (1974-1976), beat Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight title (1978), fought professionally until (1995).

Birth: July 11, 1953 - St. Louis, Missouri.

Profession: Professional boxer.

Interesting Facts: He was the only man to take the heavyweight title from Muhammad Ali in the ring. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1973 to 1976.