Boxing Legend Leon Spinks Passes Away After Five Year Battle with Cancer

Boxing legend Leon Spinks has sadly died.

The former world heavyweight champion and Olympic gold medal-winning boxer has died on Friday (February 5) at the age of 67 after a five-year battle with prostate and other cancers, his publicist announced.

“At the time of his passing his wife Brenda Glur Spinks was by his side. Due to Covid restrictions, only a few close friends and other family were present,” his publicist said in a statement via CNN.

On February 15, 1978, Leon defeated Muhammad Ali to become the undisputed heavyweight boxing champion. It was only Leon’s eighth professional fight, and is considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

Seven months later, Leon and Muhammad faced off again. That time Muhammad won and reclaimed the heavyweight title.

Leon retired in 1995 with with a 26-17-3 record with 14 knockouts. He was inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017.

Our thoughts are with Leon Spinks‘ loved ones during this difficult time.