Former world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks has passed away after a long battle with cancer, aged 67.
After winning Olympic Gold for the same glittering USA team that included Sugar Ray Leonard and brother Michael at the Montreal Olympics in 1976, ‘Neon Leon’ famously dethroned the great Muhammad Ali to become WBC and WBA heavyweight champion in February 1978 before losing the rematch on the cards seven months afterwards.
Around 90 million viewers watched Ali-Spinks II in America, with a total of 2 billion viewers tuning in worldwide.
Brother of former light-heavyweight and heavyweight world champion Michael and father of ex-147lbs and 154lbs king Cory, Leon bravely endured a five-year battle with cancer before succumbing on Friday evening, accompanied by his wife Brenda and close family.
Former world heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, who defended his WBC crown against Spinks in June 1981, was among those to pay tribute.
“You gave me a hell of a fight but you were a good guy. You lived your life the way you wanted and it was a good one. I pray you Rest In Peace,” tweeted Holmes.
Everyone at Boxing Social would like to pass on their condolences to Leon’s family, friends and fans.
Rest in peace, champ.