Michael Spinks in 2002, Spinks ranked 41st. East Side Boxing said in its tribute to Spinks, "Michael Spinks went undefeated fighting during the deepest era in Light Heavyweight history. And he beat the real heavyweight champion to win the title, who was also undefeated. Michael Spinks is the most accomplished light heavyweight champion in history." Spinks is the rare top fighter who left the sport with both money and his health and never returned to the ring. Aside from a rare event honoring him and occasionally attending fights, Spinks has largely remained off the boxing scene and out of the public eye.
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