The fight took place at a time when Ali was still reviled in much of American society for his refusal to report for military service after he was drafted in 1966 and his application for conscientious objector status was rejected. Ali lauded his opponent's 'will to win and stamina' after the fight. The 'rope-a-dope' strategy failed to tire Spinks and, for the first time in his career, Ali looked old in a boxing ring.

Leon Spinks defeated Muhammad Ali in one of the greatest upsets in boxing history.Īli's defenders like to talk about the fact that he showed up fat and out of shape for the bout, but it's indisputable that the champ was not prepared for Spinks' relentless jabs. He had only seven professional bouts under his belt when he was booked to fight heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali in February 1978, less than 18 months after he won his Olympic gold medal. Spinks turned pro after leaving the Marine Corps in 1976. and Soviet teams until the 1988 games in Seoul, South Korea. It was also the last Summer Olympics to feature both the U.S. They were the first Summer Olympics to be held after the terrorist attacks that killed 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 games in Munich, so there was apprehension as athletes gathered to compete in Canada. Those Montreal Olympics came at a crucial moment in the event's history. Leon Spinks defeats Sixto Soria of Cuba for the light heavyweight gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

Leon spinks