The former boxer and Leon Spinks at the "Night of the Champion" event held on August 17, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(CNN) -
Former world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, best known for defeating Muhammad Ali in 1978, has died at 67, according to a statement from his publicist.
Spinks lost his five-year battle with prostate and other cancers on Friday night.
“At the time of his death, his wife Brenda Glur Spinks was at his side.
Due to covid restrictions, only a few close friends and other family members were present, ”the statement read.
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Spinks represented the United States during the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Canada, and won a gold medal.
Photograph taken in July 1976 in Montreal showing Leon Spinks' heavyweight boxer (right) in the ring at the end of his fight during the 1976 Olympics. Credit: AFP via Getty Images
He faced Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 15, 1978, winning in what came as a surprise and became the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
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Spinks fought 72 professional fights, winning 46 of them.
The statement continued with: “Leon fought his battle with numerous illnesses with resistance, never losing his trademark smile.
Showing true Spinks determination, he never threw in the towel.
Leon Spinks Muhammad Ali