Leon Spinks, former heavyweight boxing champ, dies at 67

Boxing legend Leon Spinks died at the age of 67 on Friday night near his home in a Henderson, Nev. hospital after battling with prostate cancer for several years, according to family friend Joe Bernal.

The former Marine rocketed to international fame in 1978 when he beat Muhammad Ali in a split decision to earn the undisputed world heavyweight title in what was considered one of the biggest upsets in boxing history.

Spinks’ gap-toothed smile became his trademark as he burst on the scene as an amateur. Fighting alongside his brother Michael and a charismatic light welterweight by the name of Ray Leonard, they became most successful U.S. Olympic boxing team in history.

© Chase Stevens, USA TODAY Sports Former boxing champion Leon Spinks is shown at his home in Henderson, Nevada in July 2015.

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All three fighters won gold at the 1976 Summer Games, as did countrymen Howard Davis and Leo Randolph. Teammates Charles Mooney won silver and John Tate bronze.

Fresh off his Olympic success, Leon Spinks turned professional the following year. In just his eighth pro bout, he squared off against the legendary Ali for the undisputed heavyweight title.

Spinks, then 24, pulled the upset in a split decision to win the title. However, he lost a rematch with Ali seven months later by unanimous decision.

He had one more heavyweight title fight – in 1981 – but lost to Larry Holmes in a third-round TKO.

Spinks retired in 1995 with a record of 26-17-3. He was named to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2017.

REWIND: Spinks fought cancer like an opponent in the ring

Former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks is fighting his toughest competitor yet: Cancer

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Leon Spinks, former heavyweight boxing champ, dies at 67