In just his eighth professional fight, Spinks won the undisputed world heavyweight title when he beat Muhammad Ali on February 15, 1978, in what was considered one among the greatest upsets in boxing history. Nevertheless, he was stripped of the WBC title for fighting Ali in an accepted rematch seven months afterwards, which he lost by a 15-round unanimous decision. Besides being heavyweight champ and his characteristic gap toothed smile (due to losing two and after all four of his front teeth), Spinks attained notoriety for the catastrophe which befell his career following the loss to Ali.
Before turning professional, Spinks won a bronze medal in the initiative 1974 World Amateur Boxing Championships in Havana. Leon got the better of Cuban great Sixto Soria in an amusing slugfest where Spinks was rocked repeatedly by the a lot more refined combatant but landed a crushing overhand right that put Soria face back on the canvas. His Olympic teammates contained Sugar Ray Leonard, Leo Randolph and Howard Davis Jr. Leon additionally served on active duty in the United States Marine Corps.
Brenda Spinks (m. 2011), Betty Spinks (m. 1988–2004), Nova Spinks
Children
Cory Spinks
Parents
Kay Francis Spinks, Leon Spinks Sr.
Siblings
Michael Spinks
Awards
World Heavyweight Championship (1978), The Ring/WBA/WBC Heavyweight titles (1978), NABF Cruiserweight title (1982),World Amateur Boxing Championships (bronze-1974), Olympic Games (gold-1976), Light heavyweight (1974, 1975, 1976)
Movies
The Prize Fighter, Tao of the Golden Mask, “Facing Ali”
Star Sign
Cancer
#
Quote
1
I know a lot of people think I'm dumb. Well, at least I ain't no educated fool.
#
Fact
1
Living in Columbus, Nebraska (pop. 20,971), keeps a low profile doing volunteer work in an after-school program and helping out at the local YMCA on weekends. [April 2005]
2
Son Cory won the IBF Junior Middleweight Title on 24 April 2009. He won the IBF Welterweight Title in 2002 and 2003, the WBC Welterweight Title and the WBA Welterweight Title in 2003, and the IBF Light Middleweight Title in 2006.
3
Pro Boxing Record 26 Wins - 17 Defeats - 3 Draws - 14 KOs
4
Two time WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Champion: 13 December 1985 - Beating Kip Kane by TKO round 8 28 April 1987 - Beating Jeff Jordan by Split Decision
5
31 October 1982 - Won the NABF Cruiserweight Title beating Jesse Burnett by split decision.
6
15 February 1978 - Won the WBA and WBC Heavyweight Title beating Muhammad Ali by split decision in only his 8th pro fight.
7
He and his younger brother Michael Spinks were Olympic boxing champions.
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
Risen
2010
Bouncer 2
The Prize Fighter
2003
Video
Lattrell
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
Ali 70 from Las Vegas
2012
TV Movie
Himself
Ali: Still the Greatest
2012
TV Mini-Series
Himself
ESPN Friday Night Fights
2011
TV Series
Himself - Audience Member
Facing Ali
2009
Documentary
Himself
Tao of the Golden Mask
2007
Documentary
Himself
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
2005
TV Series
Himself
The Howard Stern Radio Show
2000
TV Series
Himself
UFC VI: Clash of the Titans
1995
TV Special
Himself
Late Night with David Letterman
1982
TV Series
Himself
The Mike Douglas Show
1978
TV Series
Himself - Boxer
Archive Footage
Title
Year
Status
Character
Muhammad Ali: The Greatest
2016
TV Movie documentary
Himself
ESPN Friday Night Fights
2012
TV Series
Himself
30 for 30
2009
TV Series documentary
Himself
Kings of the Ring: Four Legends of Heavyweight Boxing
Powder will do that to a fool!