Michael Spinks turned professional with a win over Eddie Benson, knocked out in one round on April 17, 1977 in Las Vegas. With that, Spinks began a 31 fight winning streak that would almost extend to the end of his career. After four more wins, Spinks finished '77 with the first fight that began a gradual ascent in opposition quality: an eight-round decision over Gary Summerhays, a popular young boxer of the time. In 1978, Spinks won two fights, including an eight-round decision over former world Middleweight title challenger Tom Bethea, in the same undercard where his brother Leon dethroned Ali as
Scipio Spinks Scipio Spinks Scipio Ronald Spinks (born July 12, 1947) is a former right handed pitcher in Major League Baseball who played from 1969 through 1973 for the Houston Astros and St. Louis Cardinals. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Spinks was a promising prospect until injuries prematurely ended his career. Spinks graduated from Harlan High School in Chicago and was drafted by the Astros organization in 1966. That August, he set a record in the Northern League by striking out 20 batters in a game. In 1968, he went 9–6 with a 2.27 earned run average in the Carolina League. He was