American · Newark, USA · Born 22 July 1956Michael Spinks won Olympic gold in 1976, became undisputed light heavyweight champion, then dethroned Larry Holmes for the heavyweight title.
Michael Spinks was born on 22 July 1956 in St. Louis, Missouri, the younger brother of fellow future world champion Leon Spinks, and won a gold medal at middleweight at the 1976 Montreal Olympics on the very same night his brother won gold at light heavyweight, making them the first brothers to win Olympic boxing gold at the same Games. Spinks turned professional in 1977 and went undefeated through his first 31 fights, winning the WBA light heavyweight title in 1981 and unifying the WBC belt in 1983 to become undisputed champion, successfully defending the title ten times against the deepest era of competition the light heavyweight division has seen. Spinks made history on 21 September 1985, moving up to heavyweight to defeat the previously undefeated, long-reigning IBF champion Larry Holmes by unanimous decision, becoming the first reigning light heavyweight champion ever to win the heavyweight title. He successfully defended the belt against Holmes in an immediate rematch the following year. Spinks was stripped of his IBF title in 1987 for avoiding a mandatory defence, but continued to be recognised as heavyweight champion by The Ring magazine until his sole professional defeat: a first-round knockout to an emerging Mike Tyson in June 1988. Spinks retired immediately afterward with a record of 31 wins and one loss, one of the rare elite boxers to leave the sport with both his fortune and his health intact.
Undefeated (31-0) until KO loss to Mike Tyson; first reigning light heavyweight champ to also win heavyweight title
How They Played
Technical boxer with excellent footwork and counter-punching
Lasting Impact
First fighter to take heavyweight title from undefeated champion
Career Honours
- 1976 Olympic gold medal
- International Boxing Hall of Fame
American Athletes