Leon Spinks is known for one of the most epic upsets in boxing history – defeating the legendary Muhammad Ali in 1978 to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. This monumental achievement came in only his eighth professional fight, cementing Spinks' place in the annals of boxing lore.

Born on July 11, 1953, Spinks grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. His amateur career was marked by impressive wins, including three consecutive national AAU light heavyweight championships from 1974 to 1976. During this time, he served in the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of corporal, and was part of the Marine Corps Boxing Team.

Spinks' amateur career culminated in winning the light heavyweight gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. He defeated Abdel Ahmed El-Sayed of Egypt in the final, adding to his growing reputation as a formidable boxer.

Spinks turned pro in 1977 and quickly made a name for himself in the boxing world. His victory over Muhammad Ali was a shock to many, but it was soon followed by controversy. Spinks was stripped of the WBC title for facing Ali in an unapproved rematch just seven months later, which he lost by a unanimous decision. Despite this setback, Spinks continued to have a successful career, challenging for the WBC heavyweight title in 1981 and the WBA cruiserweight title in 1986. Although he lost both fights, Spinks remained a respected figure in the boxing community.

Spinks ventured into professional wrestling from 1986 to 1993, working primarily for Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW). During this time, he held the FMW Brass Knuckles Heavyweight Championship in 1992.

"I'm not just a boxer, I'm a fighter. I'll fight anywhere, anytime, anyone."

Leon Spinks' victory over Muhammad Ali is often cited as one of the greatest upsets in boxing history. Despite the controversies surrounding his career, Spinks' achievements in the ring and his dedication to his craft have earned him a lasting place in the pantheon of boxing legends.

• Won the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world in 1978
• Won the light heavyweight gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics
• Served in the United States Marine Corps from 1973 to 1976
• Turned professional in 1977
• Challenged for the WBC heavyweight title in 1981 and the WBA cruiserweight title in 1986
• Worked as a professional wrestler from 1986 to 1993

• Inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017

Leon Spinks' remarkable upset over Muhammad Ali has been referenced in popular culture, including in films, literature, and music. His iconic gap-toothed grin has become an enduring symbol of his rugged, unapologetic approach to boxing.

Spinks' career trajectory and fighting style are often compared to those of his contemporaries, such as Larry Holmes and Dwight Muhammad Qawi. While his losses to these opponents are well-documented, Spinks' determination and resilience in the face of adversity have earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent in the ring.

Year	Event
1953	Born on July 11
1974-1976	Won three consecutive national AAU light heavyweight championships
1976	Won the light heavyweight gold medal at the Summer Olympics
1977	Turned professional
1978	Defeated Muhammad Ali to become the undisputed heavyweight champion
1981	Challenged for the WBC heavyweight title
1986	Challenged for the WBA cruiserweight title
1986-1993	Worked as a professional wrestler
2017	Inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame
2021	Passed away on February 5

• Leon Spinks' brother, Michael Spinks, is also a professional boxer and Olympic gold medalist.
• Spinks lost two front teeth in a fight, which became one of his defining physical characteristics.

Leon Spinks' remarkable journey from serving in the Marine Corps to becoming a world champion boxer serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication and perseverance. His life story is an inspiration to generations of boxers and athletes, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.