BoxRec

I would like to say happy belated birthday from yesterday the former heavyweight champion Leon Spinks who turns 53.

I wonder if Johnny Bombs would like to extend his first victim a happy birthday.

Leon used to drop in to Club Mali Kai by the St Louis Airport a place where I performed as a musician in the 80's, I look back fondly on those days. Happy Birthday Leon.

When Leon was an amateur he was just about as exciting a fighter as you could find. He was a bit sloppy, but carried incredible power into the ring and landed some of the most spectacular punches I’ve ever seen any amateur land.

Since he beat Ali for the undisputed HW title, it’s hard to say that his pro career was disappointing, but that was pretty much the only real highlight. But what a highlight! Not only did he beat Ali, he followed a smart and methodical fight plan, breaking Ali down over the course of the fight. Maybe more than any of Ali’s opponents to that time, Leon had the complete answer to the rope a dope. And yes, Ali was poorly trained for the fight, but that shouldn’t detract much from how Leon fought that night. If you haven’t seen this fight, Spinks really put a beating on Ali.

Watching that fight was one of the most exciting boxing moments for me, and regardless of the problems Leon encountered in and out of the ring, no one can take that performance from him or from history.

Happy birthday champ.

Despite all that has happened to him, he seems to keep an upbeat outlook on life.Happy birthday, Leon and an early happy fiftieth for Michael.

Decagon wrote:We sit around talking about him all the time. We should all put our positive thoughts about him here and send him a letter or something. You know, so he knows we still remember him.

Great Idea.

Anyone got any contact details?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAMP.

http://www.boxrec.com/media/images/2/29/Spinks.leon.jpg

LEON SPINKS FORMER OLYMPIC CHAMPION & HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION OF THE WORLD.

Met him a few times and had a great picture with him when I fought at Chicagos Park West. Cant find it anymore but it was 1989 and Leon had the full superfly look goin.Maybe it was a little dated but it worked for him . He was a nice guy and people in the crowd that night really treated the guy warmly.
At that time I believe he was working as a greeter at Mike Ditkas resteraunt/nightclub.

Not one of the prettiest fighters of all time.
http://www.boxrec.com/media/images/b/b8/82Sep.jpg
He was a decent cruiserweight too. Six pro fights and becoming heavyweight champion of the world, not a bad career accomplishment whatsoever

yes a great guy* happy birthday leon* you are one of the best. the city of montreal still loves you*

Make a comeback, Leon!! You can do it!!

Happy Birthday Leon, one of the most exciting and courageous fighters I've seen...

BoxBuzz wrote:Leon used to drop in to Club Mali Kai by the St Louis Airport a place where I performed as a musician in the 80's, I look back fondly on those days. Happy Birthday Leon.

What instument did you play!?.... 8)

Guitar, Vocals, Some light Sax work from time to time. 24 year career of purely making music.

Nice... have you made any cd's?... what sort of style, jazz, blues?... 8)

In his prime Leon destroys Johnny Bombs sockdollanger. I know that is right. Happy B-day champ.

ringsider wrote:In his prime Leon destroys Johnny Bombs sockdollanger. I know that is right. Happy B-day champ.

Yeah Leon was a one man wrecking crew on his way up, very aggressive and could create chaos in the ring like very few. I think he could have taken on greater opponents and had very good results right up until he lost focus based on his increased income which gave him choices he never had before. He didn't do all that well with the freedom his money brought. And his effectiveness took a nosedive with his money and his fame.

Leon Spinks is a great man and I wish him a happy birthday.
According to a recent interview I have of him, Leon refuses to let both Michael and Cory Spinks - both millionaires to help him financially. Leon works as a janitor in a sports gym and also delivers hamburgers to the local McDonalds. Leon also volunteers to help young people off the streets in boxing programs etc.

I agree, ...for all his problems and mistakes in the past Leon has I think a dignity and pride which few men genuinely have... basically you could sum it up as heart or courage... so I don't pity Leon or feel sorry for him, I admire him for the way he is dealing with the cards he's been dealt in life...

Reguardless of your lot in life, you can make a choice to be happy.
It looks like Leon has