Leon Spinks has passed away after a battle with prostate cancer. The 67-year-old was a boxing legend having won the undisputed heavyweight championship after defeating Muhammad Ali. Spinks’ son, Cory Spinks, was also a decorated boxer.
While Spinks was best known for his boxing pedigree, he also participated in a number of professional wrestling bouts. Spinks’ first foray into professionaal wrestling was in 1986 as he was defeated by New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Antonio Inoki in an exhibition bout. He’d later face Jerry Lawler in a USWA event in 1990 as well.
However, his biggest stint in wrestling was in the Japanese promotion Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling. Spinks debuted in the World Strongest Tag Team Tournament alongside Rufus Blackborn. He’d eventually move to solo action, where he defeated Tarzan Goto to win the promotion’s heavyweight title. He’d later lose it to Atsushi Onita. Spinks also had memorable bouts with Terry Funk and Sabu during this time.
WrestleZone offers condolences to Spinks’ family during this time.
