army judge
Super Moderator
RIP Champ.
I admired your skills in the squared circle.
Boxing legend Leon Spinks died at the age of 67 on Friday night in a Henderson, Nevada, hospital near his home after battling with prostate cancer for several years, according to family friend Joe Bernal.
Spinks served in the Marine Corps before he rocketed to international fame in 1978 when he beat Muhammad Ali in a split decision to earn the undisputed world heavyweight title in what was considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
"It was considered a mere joke,'' fellow boxing great George Foreman told USA TODAY Sports when reflecting on that historic bout. "Why in the world would they put (Spinks) in the ring with Muhammad Ali with such a short boxing career?
"He beat the devil out of Muhammad, from pillar to post, even Muhammad was surprised.
"(Spinks) was legitimate, and he has his rightful place in the history of heavyweight boxers.''
Spinks' gap-toothed smile became his trademark as he burst on the scene as an amateur. Fighting alongside his brother Michael and a charismatic light welterweight by the name of Ray Leonard, they became most successful U.S. Olympic boxing team in history.
Leon Spinks, former heavyweight boxing champ, dies at 67
I admired your skills in the squared circle.
Boxing legend Leon Spinks died at the age of 67 on Friday night in a Henderson, Nevada, hospital near his home after battling with prostate cancer for several years, according to family friend Joe Bernal.
Spinks served in the Marine Corps before he rocketed to international fame in 1978 when he beat Muhammad Ali in a split decision to earn the undisputed world heavyweight title in what was considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.
"It was considered a mere joke,'' fellow boxing great George Foreman told USA TODAY Sports when reflecting on that historic bout. "Why in the world would they put (Spinks) in the ring with Muhammad Ali with such a short boxing career?
"He beat the devil out of Muhammad, from pillar to post, even Muhammad was surprised.
"(Spinks) was legitimate, and he has his rightful place in the history of heavyweight boxers.''
Spinks' gap-toothed smile became his trademark as he burst on the scene as an amateur. Fighting alongside his brother Michael and a charismatic light welterweight by the name of Ray Leonard, they became most successful U.S. Olympic boxing team in history.
Leon Spinks, former heavyweight boxing champ, dies at 67