Leon Spinks

American boxer (1953–2021) Leon SpinksSpinks vs. Ray Kipping, 1995Personal informationNicknameNeonBorn(1953-07-11)July 11, 1953St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.DiedFebruary 5, 2021(2021-02-05) (aged 67)Henderson, Nevada, U.S.Height6 ft 1 in (185 cm)Weight Cruiserweight Heavyweight Boxing careerReach76 in (193 cm)StanceOrthodoxBoxing recordTotal fights46Wins26Win by KO14Losses17Draws3 Medal record Men's amateur boxing Representing United States Olympic Games 1976 Montreal Light heavyweight Pan American Games 1975 Mexico City Light heavyweight World Championships 1974 Havana Light heavyweight Leon Spinks (July 11, 1953 – February 5, 2021) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1977 to 1995. In only his eighth professional fight, he won the undisputed heavyweight championship in 1978 after defeating Muhammad Ali in a split decision, in what is considered one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight boxing history. Spinks was later stripped of the WBC title for facing Ali in an unapproved rematch seven months later, which he lost by a unanimous decision. Besides being heavyweight champion and his characteristic gap-toothed grin (due to losing two and later all four of his front t