Former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks passed away on Friday night at the age of 67 after battling multiple cancers for over five years according to Firm PR, which represents him, and as reported by The Associated Press.
After capturing the gold medal at the 1976 Olympics, Spinks turned professional. Less than two years later and in only his eighth career fight, Spinks upset Muhammad Ali by split decision in February 1978 to become the quickest boxer to become a heavyweight champion.
The title reign didn't last long, though. Seven months later, Spinks lost to Ali by unanimous decision in front of over 63,000 people at the Superdome in New Orleans. Spinks had chances to once again win a heavyweight title, but came up short, losing by third-round TKO to Larry Holmes in June 1981. He moved down to cruiserweight to challenge Dwight Muhammad Qawi but came up short there as well, losing by sixth-round TKO. Spinks retired in 1995 after losing three out of four fights.
Spinks was the older brother of Michael, former two-division world champion and fellow Olympic gold medalist, and the father of two-division champion Cory Spinks. Before getting into boxing, Spinks spent three years in the United States Marine Corps. Spinks compiled a 26-17-3 record with 14 KOs as a pro boxer.
Spinks passed away inside his home in Henderson, Nev. with his wife Brenda Glur Spinks next to him.