Leon Spinks

Leon Spinks was an American boxer who stunned the world by defeating Muhammad Ali for the undisputed heavyweight championship in 1978.

Leon Spinks was born on 11 July 1953 in St. Louis, Missouri, and began boxing at 13 as an outlet from the tough neighbourhood in which he grew up, later dropping out of high school and joining the U.S. Marines. He developed into a decorated amateur boxer, winning a bronze medal at the inaugural 1974 World Amateur Championships before claiming light heavyweight gold at the 1976 Montreal Olympics — alongside his younger brother Michael, who won gold at middleweight, making them the first brothers ever to win Olympic boxing gold at the same Games. Spinks turned professional in 1977, and in only his eighth professional fight, on 15 February 1978, achieved one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight boxing history, defeating the ageing but still-reigning Muhammad Ali by split decision to win the undisputed heavyweight championship. "I'm not The Greatest," he famously declared afterward, "just the latest." Spinks was stripped of the WBC portion of his title for agreeing to an unsanctioned rematch with Ali rather than facing the top contender, and lost that September rematch by unanimous decision in New Orleans, never regaining the same heights. He and his brother Michael became the first pair of brothers to each hold a professional boxing world title. Spinks continued fighting until 1995, retiring with a record of 26 wins, 17 losses, and three draws, and finished his career known as much for his personal struggles and distinctive gap-toothed grin as for his stunning Olympic and professional achievements. He died on 5 February 2021, at age 67, in Henderson, Nevada.

Orthodox stance, aggressive pressure fighter with limited technique but great heart

One of boxing's biggest upsets, shortest reigning heavyweight champion

• 1976 Olympic gold medal
• Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame 2017