Leon Spinks Leon Spinks Leon Spinks (born July 11, 1953) is an American former 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 was considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history. Spinks was later stripped of the WBC title for facing Ali in an unapproved rematch seven months later, which he lost by unanimous decision. Besides being heavyweight champion and his characteristic gap-toothed grin (due to losing two and later all four of his front teeth), Spinks
Tommy Spinks High School in Shreveport, where he also played football with Bradshaw and under the assistant coach A. L. Williams. It was often said that Bradshaw threw the passes that only Spinks could catch. Spinks was the president of Quest IV Health Products, Inc., in Arlington, Texas, a firm which offers VitaMan and VitaWoman vitamins. He also published the magazine "Millionaire Blueprints". Spinks was diagnosed with cancer in May 2007 and died three months later at his home in Arlington. A memorial service was held on September 4, 2007 at his home church, St. Barnabas United Methodist Church in Arlington. Survivors